The Veggie Indian: Methi Bajra Khakhra

Last year, during my visit to India, we visited one of my Mum's friend in Nasik city. What a sweet family she has, a joint family with four kids and their grand mother she is very modest and humble. All kids, smart, talented and respectful. Rarely we see across this kind of joint families nowadays. One thing which I really liked was, the way they eat their meals. Aunti has these big "Thalis" in which she serves food. Atleast 3-4 different dishes, though all simple and healthy, along with some condiments and Papads etc. All homemade !! The most incredible thing is, 2-3 members of the family share food in one Thali, sitting cross legged and not on the dining table. Me, S and my Mum also shared food in one Thali and it was such an overwhelming feeling, I cant describe in words.

Later Aunti explained the reason of adopting this habit of eating together. She said, it enhances love and feeling of sharing among the family members which was very obvious with the sight of it. They discuss their daily chores, school life and events during that time, and the feeling of giving away for your close relations and the small moments of sharing little bites together bring people closer. Moreover, each member shares the food with one another so there is no favoritism in the family. Having food while sitting on the floor, cross-legged improves digestion and posture. I had never seen that before, but I liked it so much, I bought those Big thalis from Pune to get to our Home back Delhi. Though I could not get them here, but I am looking forward to use them during my next visit to India pretty soon.

While coming back from her place, with sheer love, she packed up a few things for us to carry back to the UK. Khakhra was one of those home made snack she handed us over and was cherished by us for almost a week.. And I never got a chance to recreate that same thing again in my kitchen, until Srivalli put forward this recipe for Last month's ICC. I am thankful to her, to make me recall that time and our own traditional snack.

I added a bit of Bajra in the dough since I these days am trying to decrease Wheat from my diet. No fancy reason, but just incorporating other flours in my daily meals. And I can actually feel the difference with using Bajra, Barley and Maize flour. I am full easily, and my stomach is acting better too. Anyways, the addition of Bajra Flour in these Khakhras brings out the grainy texture up and hence enhance the taste. Its a very low fat snack which can be enjoyed along with Tea and Coffee.

What you need ?

2 cup Wheat Flour
1/4 cup Bajra
1 tbsp Ghee
Salt to taste
Katuri Methi - 1 big pinch
1 1/2 cup Warm water

How to Make?

Take all the ingredients in a bowl. slowly add water and knead to a soft dough. Let it rest for 15 mins.
Make small balls, and with the help of your greased palms, using the rolling pin, roll out very think discs.
When the tawa is hot, simmer and place the disc and cook with a cloth pressing over the top. This is to make sure bubbles don't form.
When you cook over low flame, the khakras become crisp, it does take long time though. Almost 3-4 minutes for each Khakhra
Cook on both sides, remove and apply ghee if using.
Stack them one on top the other.
Once these are done let them cool and come to room temperature. Store in air tight container.

My Notes:

My Khakhras, although had bubbles on them still were crisp and tasty to eat. But try to press evenly from all sides to avoid bubbles
First few, around 4-5 were not that thin. But gradually your hands get into habit of rolling them out thin
You can omit Bajra flou completely, or can also add Barley/Gram flour to it instead
Try adding some spices - Garam Masala, Chaat Masala for variations.
I have used a pinch of Turmeric to get the bright yellow Colour, without which these flat breads will look Pale, you can omit this if you want.