Bhakra - A Parsi tea time snack | Roda aunty's favorite Bhakras

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to make Bhakras, a delightful Parsi tea-time snack that is soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. These treats are not overly sweet, making them a perfect accompaniment to mint and lemongrass chai. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own Bhakras at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Gather Ingredients: You will need the following:

   • 1 cup whole wheat flour
   • 1 cup fine semolina (Soji)
   • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
   • 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
   • 3/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
   • 1/2 cup caster sugar
   • 1/2 cup yogurt
   • 1 tablespoon ghee
   • 2 eggs
   • 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine:

   • Whole wheat flour
   • Fine semolina
   • Baking powder
   • Nutmeg powder
   • Cardamom powder
   • Caster sugar
   • Salt

3. Add Wet Ingredients:

   • To the dry mixture, add yogurt, vanilla, ghee, and whisked eggs.

4. Combine: Mix everything well using your hands until you achieve a sticky consistency.

5. Let it Rest: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set aside for at least 2 hours. This allows the semolina to absorb moisture.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Check the Dough: After 2 hours, uncover the dough. It should still be sticky but less so than before.

2. Add Flour: Gradually add 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour to the dough.

3. Knead: Knead the dough for about 2 minutes.

4. Add Ghee: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of ghee and knead again for another 2 minutes until the dough is no longer sticky.

5. Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two parts, shape each into a round ball, and flatten slightly.

Step 3: Shape the Bhakras

1. Prepare to Roll: Place the dough on a clean surface. Do not sprinkle any flour on the dough.

2. Roll Out: Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm.

3. Cut Shapes: Use a glass with a 6 cm circumference to cut small rounds from the dough.

4. Remove Excess: Take away the excess dough around the cut rounds and repeat until all dough is used.

5. Set Aside: Place the uncooked Bhakras aside, ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Bhakras

1. Heat Ghee: In a wok or kadai, heat 500 grams of ghee over medium heat.

2. Test Ghee: To check if the ghee is ready, drop a small piece of dough into it. If it fries until golden, the ghee is ready for the Bhakras.

3. Fry Bhakras:

   • Carefully add 6 to 7 Bhakras at a time into the hot ghee.
   • They should rise to the surface within 20 to 30 seconds.

4. Cook: Fry for about 2 minutes, turning the Bhakras every 10 to 15 seconds to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.

5. Remove and Cool: Once they reach a dark brown color, remove the Bhakras from the ghee and place them on a paper towel to cool.

Conclusion

You've now made delicious Bhakras that are perfect for tea time! Allow them to cool to room temperature for the best flavor. Enjoy them with mint and lemongrass chai or on their own as a delightful snack. Happy cooking!