Layered Namakpare Recipe | Nimki Recipe
As a housewife food blogger and critic, I have a soft spot for Indian snacks that harken back to my childhood days. Namakpare, with their crispy, flaky texture and delicate aroma, stand tall among the cherished memories of my youth. These savory treats have been a part of countless festive occasions and family gatherings, each bite evoking a sense of nostalgia that transports me back to my mother’s kitchen. The rhythmic crackle of frying dough and the lingering scent of freshly made Namakpare are experiences I cherish and wish to share with you.
What are Namakpare | What is Nimki | What is Mathri
Namakpare, sometimes known as nimki or mathri, are a traditional Indian snack made from a simple blend of all-purpose flour, oil or ghee, and a generous sprinkling of salt and spices. The dough is carefully rolled and shaped into small squares or diamonds before being deep-fried to crispy perfection. The end result is a delightfully crunchy, golden-brown treat with a flaky texture and a subtle aroma that entices the senses.
Hailing from North India, Namakpare have become a popular snack across the nation. Enjoyed on various occasions such as Holi, Diwali, and family get-togethers, these tasty morsels have captured the hearts and taste buds of millions.
Namakpare are an undeniably delectable Indian snack that brings together the best of taste, aroma, and texture. With the countless variations and the simple, straightforward recipe, Namakpare are a perfect treat to share with family and friends or simply to enjoy as a crunchy, satisfying snack on your own.
Discover the magic of Namakpare for yourself, and relish the golden, crispy delights that have captivated the hearts of millions. As you indulge in the flavors and reminisce about your own cherished memories, let the Namakpare be a gateway to a delicious culinary journey that knows no bounds.
Variations of Namakpare
While the traditional Namakpare recipe is undeniably delicious, there are numerous variations and adaptations that you can experiment with to suit your personal tastes. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Spicy Namakpare: To add a fiery kick to your Namakpare, simply incorporate some red chili powder, black pepper, or crushed green chilies into the dough. Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your preferences and enjoy a zesty twist on this classic snack.
Herb-infused Namakpare: Infuse your Namakpare with the flavors of your favorite herbs by adding a blend of dried or fresh herbs to the dough. Some popular choices include dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), coriander leaves, or even mint. The herbs impart a beautiful fragrance and unique taste to the Namakpare, making them even more irresistible.
Sesame Seed Namakpare: Give your Namakpare a delightful crunch by sprinkling white or black sesame seeds over the rolled dough before cutting and frying. The sesame seeds add a lovely contrast to the texture of the Namakpare and provide a slightly nutty flavor.
Sweet Namakpare (Shakarpara): For those with a sweet tooth, sweet Namakpare, also known as shakarpara, offer a delightful alternative. Simply replace the salt and carom seeds in the dough with sugar or jaggery, and add a dash of cardamom powder for a subtle, aromatic sweetness. After frying, you can also coat the sweet Namakpare in sugar syrup for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Namakpare
Although Namakpare are a fried snack, they can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the nutritional benefits that these crispy delights have to offer:
Energy Boost: Namakpare are a quick source of energy, thanks to the carbohydrates present in the all-purpose flour. This makes them an ideal snack to keep you going throughout the day or to enjoy during festive occasions when you need an extra boost of energy.
Nutritional Value of Ingredients: The addition of carom seeds (ajwain) in the traditional Namakpare recipe imparts not only flavor but also potential health benefits. Carom seeds are known for their digestive properties, and they may help alleviate issues like indigestion or bloating. Moreover, the use of ghee or oil provides a source of healthy fats, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Customizable Nutrition: One of the most significant advantages of making Namakpare at home is the ability to control the ingredients and their nutritional content. By using whole wheat flour or other healthier flour alternatives, you can increase the fiber and nutrient content of your Namakpare. Additionally, you can choose to use healthier oils for frying, such as olive or avocado oil, which contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Step by Step Namakpare Recipes
Namakpare Recipe | Nimki Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour / maida
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp salt
- pinch black pepper powder
- 1 tsp kasuri methi / dry fenugreek leaves
- pinch Asafoetida / hing
- 2 tbsp oil
- Oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Measure all the ingredients as per the above-mentioned list.
Cooking
- Take 2 cups of all purpose flour/maida in a bowl and add ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ¼ tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp salt, pinch of black pepper powder, 1 tsp kasuri methi, pinch of asafoetida.
- Now, add 2 tbsp oil in the mixture and mix with your hands. You can heat the oil till lukewarm state and then add for crispier texture.
- Mixing of oil needs patience as you need to mix till mixture resembles like crumbs. Take some between your fingers and palm and press a little, it should bind together for a perfect dough mix.
- Then, add little by little water to knead a tight and smooth dough. Make sure the dough should be tight and not soft for good results.
- Cover and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, slightly knead the dough again to make it smoother.
- Then, with the help of a rolling pin, roll to a thin layer.
- Brush thin layer of oil and fold till the half portion. Then, fold rest of the part and press to secure the edges.
- Slightly roll again to spread and brush some oil to the layer.
- Fold again and cut into ½ inch pieces.
- Heat approx. 2-3 cups of oil in a thick wide bottomed kadhai or pan over medium flame. Make sure the oil should not be too hot or too cold. We need medium hot oil for crisp and flaky namakpare.
- To check the temperature of oil, drop a small bit of dough in the oil, if it floats immediately and do not turn brownish too quick, means oil is ready to use.
- Carefully drop namakpare in the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you are making in large quantity, fry in small batches.
- Stir in between for evenly cooking. Have a close watch at the temperature of oil, it should remain at same medium hot at all the time.
- Deep fry namakpare/nimki till crisp and golden. Remove from the pan.
- Serve with your favorite tea.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Oil Strainer
Notes & Tips
- Adjust salt and spices as per your taste preference.
- Air Fryer Method: Place all the mathris in the air fryer basket and air fry for 15-18 mins at 180°C. Make sure to flip in between the time for evenly cooking. Time may differ depending on the thickness of mathris and brand of air fryer.
- Store in an airtight container and they are good to go for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Namakpare Recipe
What is the origin of Namakpare?
Namakpare, also known as nimki or mathri, originated in North India and have become a popular snack across the country. These crispy, golden-brown treats are enjoyed during various festive occasions, such as Holi and Diwali, and are often shared with loved ones during family gatherings.
Can I bake Namakpare instead of deep-frying them?
Yes, you can bake Namakpare as a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the cut pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Namakpare are crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as this can cause them to become too hard.
What are some common spices used in Namakpare recipes?
Carom seeds (ajwain) and salt are the traditional spices used in Namakpare recipes. However, you can experiment with other spices to suit your preferences. Some popular choices include cumin seeds (jeera), black pepper, red chili powder, and dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi).
How do I store Namakpare to maintain their freshness and crispiness?
To store Namakpare, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keeping the container sealed will help maintain their crispiness and freshness. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and enjoy your Namakpare for up to 2-3 weeks.
Are Namakpare suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Namakpare can be easily adapted to suit various dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. To make vegan Namakpare, replace the ghee with a plant-based oil. By customizing the ingredients, you can create Namakpare that cater to your specific dietary needs.
Can I prepare the Namakpare dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Namakpare dough in advance. Simply follow the recipe to make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to make the Namakpare, remove the dough from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature, and proceed with the recipe.
What should I serve Namakpare with?
Namakpare are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with various dips and chutneys to elevate the flavors. Some popular accompaniments include mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a simple tomato ketchup. Feel free to get creative and pair your Namakpare with your favorite condiments.
Are there any healthy alternatives to traditional Namakpare?
To create a healthier version of Namakpare, consider using whole wheat flour or other nutritious flour alternatives, such as chickpea or millet flour. Additionally, you can choose to bake the Namakpare instead of deep-frying them or use healthier oils like olive or avocado oil for frying. These small changes can help create a more wholesome and nutritious treat.
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