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Namak Para recipe | Savoury Jar Snack | Namak Pare | Crunchy Tea-Time Namkeen |

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Tarla Dalal

16 November, 2017

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Table of Content

About Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack

Ingredients

Methods

Dough for Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack

How to make Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack

Nutrient values

Namak Para recipe | Savoury Jar Snack | Namak Pare | Crunchy Tea-Time Namkeen |

Namak Para: The Classic Savoury Jar Snack

The Namak Para recipe delivers a crispy, savory treat that is immensely famous all over India. Essentially a diamond-shaped, deep-fried snack, para has both sweet and savory versions. This particular recipe focuses on the savory version, often called Namak Pare, creating a delightful Crunchy Tea-Time Namkeen. The simple yet satisfying experience of biting into a perfectly seasoned namak para with a cup of hot masala chaai is one of the little joys that makes life a delightful ride.

Preparing the Essential Dough Ingredients

The foundation of the namak para lies in its simple, yet effective blend of ingredients. In a deep bowl, combine 1 cup plain flour (maida) and 11/2 tbsp semolina (rava / sooji). The semolina is key to achieving that signature crunchy texture. For the savory flavoring, add 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain), which impart a pleasant aroma, and salt to taste. Finally, 1 1/2 tbsp oil is added; this fat is crucial for making the namak para flaky and light.

Kneading and Resting the Dough

After mixing all the dry and fatty ingredients well, knead into a semi-stiff dough using just enough water. The dough should not be soft; a semi-stiff consistency is essential for the final snack to be crispy and hold its shape. Once kneaded, cover with a lid and keep aside for 15 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten in the maida to relax and the rava to absorb moisture, which makes the dough much easier to roll out evenly.

Rolling and Shaping the Diamond Pieces

Once rested, divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Take one portion and roll out into a large 225 mm. (9") diameter circle without using any extra flour. To prevent the namak para from puffing up like puris during frying, prick the surface with a fork at regular intervals. Using a sharp knife, cut into 25 mm. (1") diamond shaped pieces. This distinctive shape is what defines the para snack.

Deep-Frying for Golden Perfection

The frying process requires patience to ensure the namak paras cook evenly and become crisp all the way through. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan and deep-fry a few namak paras at a time—do not overcrowd the pan. Fry on a slow medium flame until they turn golden brown in colour from both the sides. Frying slowly is vital for achieving the desired crispiness. Once perfectly golden, drain on an absorbent paper to remove excess oil. Repeat the rolling and frying process with the remaining dough.

Cooling and Storing the Jar Snack

After deep-frying, it is essential to cool completely the namak para before storage. If stored warm, condensation will make them soft. Once completely cooled, the savoury jar snack can be transferred into an air-tight container and use as required. They remain fresh and crunchy for several weeks, ready to be relished instantly with a cup of hot masala chaai anytime.

Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack recipe - How to make Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack

Ingredients

for Namak Para

1 cup plain flour (maida)

1 1/2 tbsp semolina (rava / sooji)

1 1/2 tbsp oil

1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)

salt to taste

oil for deep-frying

Method

for Namak Para

Combine all the ingredients in a deep bowl and mix well.
Knead into a semi-stiff dough using enough water.
Cover with a lid and keep aside for 15 minutes.
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
Roll out a portion of the dough into a 225 mm. (9") diameter circle without using any flour for rolling. Prick the surface with a fork at regular intervals.
Cut into 25 mm. (1") diamond shaped pieces using a sharp knife.
Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan and deep-fry a few namak paras at a time on a slow medium flame till they turn golden brown in colour from both the sides. Drain on an absorbent paper.
Repeat steps 5 to 7 to make more namak paras.
Cool completely and store in an air-tight container. Use as required.

Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack recipe with step by step photos

Dough for Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack

1. To make the dough for Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack, In a deep bowl, add 1 cup plain flour (maida).
2. Add the 1 1/2 tbsp semolina (rava / sooji), add 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain), add 1 1/2 tbsp oil and salt to taste, combine all the ingredients mix well.
3. Knead into a semi-stiff dough using enough water.
4. Cover with a lid and keep aside for 15 minutes.

How to make Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack

1. To make Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack, divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
2. Roll out a portion of the dough into a 225 mm. (9") diameter circle without using any flour for rolling. Prick the surface with a fork at regular intervals
3. Cut into 25 mm. (1") diamond shaped pieces using a sharp knife.
4. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan and deep-fry a few namak paras at a time.
5. On a slow medium flame till they turn golden brown in colour from both the sides.
6. Drain on an absorbent paper. Repeat steps 5 to 7 to make more namak paras.
7. Cool completely and store in an air-tight container. Use as required
8. Serve Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack.

Nutrient values (Abbrv)per plate

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Click here to view Calories for Namak Para, Savoury Jar Snack

The Nutrient info is complete

Your Rating*

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Dennis

Nov. 10, 2016, 10:30 a.m.

I would like to try this recipe, but for health reasons I avoid deep fried foods for myself,my family and guests. Is there a baking alternative that avoids oil in the dough? Thanks

Madhav rathod

May 12, 2016, 6:27 p.m.

Archana

Dec. 9, 2015, 4:20 p.m.

Namak para.. it is quick and easy recipe.. Great for tea time snack.. I have stored this.. and everybody keeps munching.. when ever they feel hungary..