Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re going to prepare a crunchy and delightful snack – Bajra Chakli. These spiral-shaped snacks made from bajra (pearl millet) flour are perfect for festivals or as a savory treat. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

To make Bajra Chakli, you will need:

• 1 cup Bajra (pearl millet) flour
• 1/2 cup Rice flour
• 2 tbsp Besan (gram flour)
• 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp Sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp Red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of Asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp Butter, melted
• Oil for deep frying
• Water, as needed

Equipment Needed

• Chakli maker (press) with star-shaped disc
• Large mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine bajra flour, rice flour, besan, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt.
2. Add butter: Add melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix well to incorporate. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Make dough: Gradually add water, little by little, and knead into a smooth dough. The dough should be firm yet pliable.

Step 2: Shaping the Chaklis

1. Heat oil: Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat.
2. Prepare chakli maker: Attach the star-shaped disc to the chakli maker and grease it lightly with oil.
3. Fill chakli maker: Take a portion of the dough and place it inside the chakli maker.
4. Form chaklis: Press the chakli maker in a circular motion directly over the hot oil to form spirals. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry chaklis: Fry chaklis on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crisp on both sides. Flip them carefully for even cooking.
6. Drain and cool: Once done, remove chaklis using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels. Allow them to cool completely.

Step 3: Storing

1. Store: Once cooled, store Bajra Chaklis in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week.

Step 4: Serving

1. Enjoy: Serve Bajra Chaklis as a crunchy snack with tea or coffee, or pack them for festive occasions.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor variations: You can add crushed black pepper, ajwain (carom seeds), or even garlic powder for additional flavors.
• Storage: Ensure chaklis are completely cooled before storing to maintain crispness.
• Healthier option: For a healthier version, you can bake the chaklis instead of deep-frying them.

Nutritional Benefits

Bajra is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making Bajra Chaklis a wholesome snack option compared to store-bought alternatives.

Enjoy making and munching on these crispy Bajra Chaklis, perfect for any occasion!