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Diwali isn’t all about sweets – it’s also about savory snacks had with chai while visiting family members to celebrate the new year! A typical morning in the Sheladia household consisted of bhakri (an unleavened whole wheat flatbread) with copious amounts of ghee and a sprinkle of athanu nu masalo (aka achaar masala). Achar masala is a mixture of fenugreek seeds, split mustard seeds, chili powder, fennel and salt all brought together with a touch of oil. It’s spicy, salty, and slightly bitter. I decided to just put all the flavors of my morning breakfasts in one in an achaar masala cracker! I used storebought achaar masala that I got from my local Indian store, but feel free to make your own. This recipe is a part of my Diwali box series with The Jam Lab who shared her recipe for Spiced Bajra Crackers on her blog which you need to check out!
I really love eating these crackers with goat cheese or feta thats marinated in oil. It’s salty, fatty and spicy – just like bhakri with ghee and achar masala! It’s also great with a cup of spicy ginger chai.
Achaar masala is usually used to make spicy Indian pickles (mango, lemon, etc), but in most Gujarati households it’s used a spicy seasoning that’s added to yogurt or ghee to create a dip or sprinkled directly on top of piping hot flatbread before devouring with a hot cup of chai.
I hope you enjoy these crackers and try and make them at home- they are surprisingly easy to make and would be a unique addition to your cheeseboard or appetizers for your Diwali party this year!
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Achaar Masala Crackers
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple crackers made with a spicy achaar masala. Makes 4 dozen crackers
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp achaar masala
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Whisk together flour, achaar masala, sesame seeds and salt in a large bowl. Add water and olive oil and bring together into a smooth dough ball. If your dough is a little dry add some more water if it’s a little wet add a tbsp of flour until you have a smooth dough ball.
- Cut the dough in half and cover one piece of dough with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Take the other piece and roll it out until it is 1/16th inch thick.
- Brush the top of the dough with water and sprinkle on a few sesame seeds. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the other half of the dough.
- Bake for 8- 10 minutes or until the edges just start to brown a little. Cool the crackers on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Indian, English
