Beetroot Chakli Recipe

Ingredients (Makes 15 pieces):

• 1 cup rice flour
• ½ cup besan (roasted gram flour)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp oil (plus 1 tbsp for roasting)
• Hot water, as needed
• ½ tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 3 tbsp roasted beetroot purée
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Beetroot Purée

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Roast a peeled beetroot, a tomato, and 2 garlic cloves until lightly charred and cooked through.
2. Let the mixture cool before blending it into a smooth purée. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, besan, and baking soda.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and mix well until the flour mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Add the roasted beetroot purée, carom seeds, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Make the Dough

1. Gradually add hot water, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a smooth, firm, and pliable dough. The dough should hold together and not crack when you press it.

Step 4: Shape the Chaklis

1. Insert the dough into a chakli maker (or piping bag with a star nozzle).
2. On the back of a plate, shape the dough into spiral-shaped chaklis, starting from the center and working outwards.

Step 5: Fry the Chakli

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over low-medium flame.
2. Carefully slide the chaklis into the hot oil and fry until golden and crisp, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy, colorful beetroot chaklis as a delicious snack or accompaniment to tea. Enjoy the unique, flavorful twist on this traditional treat!