Gujarat Fafda Gathiya Carom Seed Gram Flour Crispy Snack

Ingredients

• 2 cups besan (gram flour)
• 1/2 tsp ajwain (carom seeds) — coarsely crushed
• 1/4 tsp black pepper — coarsely ground
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp oil for the dough (moyan)
• Salt
• Water — just enough to make a stiff dough
• Oil for deep frying

Method

1. Combine besan, crushed ajwain, black pepper, turmeric, baking soda and salt.
2. Add 1 tbsp oil. Rub into the flour until crumbly — this shortening gives fafda its crispy texture.
3. Add water very gradually — just enough to bring the dough together into a very stiff, non-sticky dough. It should feel quite hard.
4. Take a small portion of dough. Press onto the palm of one hand using 4 fingers to create a long thin strip 1 cm wide and 12 to 15 cm long — the traditional fafda shaping technique.
5. Alternatively roll thinly and cut into strips.
6. Heat oil for deep frying on medium.
7. Fry fafda strips in batches on medium for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and completely crispy.
8. Drain and cool completely.