Jeera Khari: A Cumin-Seasoned Puff Pastry

Cumin is a key ingredient of Indian cuisine. A native of Egypt and a seed to initiate digestion, these ridged, oblong little seeds are stellar stars in any Indian dish. Khari, on the other hand, is a flaky layered biscuit widely loved by Persian-Iranians. With the Iranians, the puff pastry and other cookies travelled to India.

Different Versions of Khari!

The khari biscuits are available in different variations like-

• Methi Khakra (Fenugreek-flavoured)
• Jeera Khakra (Cumin seeds- flavoured)
• Ajwain Khakra (Carom seeds- flavored)
• Cheese Khakra
• Maska Khakra, etc.

An Alternative Healthy Snack…

Along with being savoury, it is a preferably healthy snack and a delicious alternative during tea time. Curious enough to try now? Well, you’re lucky because, Pastry Prime, Guwahati brings to your variety of cookies, pastries, puffs, and cakes. For the pastry chef within you, we present the recipe of Jeera Khari.

Required Ingredients

• A cup of all-purpose flour
• A tbsp of cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp of semolina
• Half a tsp of baking powder, sugar, and salt each
• 1 tsp of carom seeds (optional)
• 3 tbsp of ghee or chilled butter
• ¼ cup of water
• 1 tbsp of milk
• 1 tbsp of sesame seeds

Method

• In a large bowl, add the flour, semolina, cumin seeds, carom seeds (optional), sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix the ingredients well.
• Add the ghee/ chilled butter and rub it against the mixture till it resembles breadcrumbs.
• Bit by bit, add the water, and knead the mixture into a stiff yet, smooth dough. Ensure that the dough is not too smooth.
• Let the dough rest for around half an hour. Don’t forget to cover it with a damp cloth.
• After the assigned time, divide the dough into small-sized portion and roll them into a smooth ball.
• Roll those into a flat, thin sheet (around 1/8 inch thick). Use a rolling pin to spread it and then sprinkle flour to prevent from sticking.
• Now by using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into diamond or square shapes (around 2 inch).
• Before transferring the squared-dough into the oven, prick them with the help of a fork.
• Keep the oven preheated at 350°F or 180°C.
• Grease a baking tray with a parchment paper.
• Arrange the cut-doughs on tray, keeping sufficient space between each.
• Each piece must be brushed with milk, and also sprinkle some sesame seeds.
• Bake the khari for around 20 minutes till they turn crispy and brown.
• Once they are done, let them cool!

Enjoy these at home or simply just visit Pastry Prime, Guwahati for our distinguished aromatic and crunchy treat with your favourite beverage.