Gathiya is a popular Gujarati snack made from gram flour (besan) and various spices. These crispy and savory snacks are perfect for munching. A step-by-step guide on how to make Gathiya:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Water, as needed
- Oil for deep frying
Equipment:
- Gathiya maker (sev press) with a fine or medium plate attachment
- Slotted spoon
- Large mixing bowl
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gathiya Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, carom seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the mixture and mix it in. This will help make the Gathiya crispy.
- Gradually add water, little by little, to form a smooth, non-sticky, and pliable dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it's well combined.
2. Heat the Oil:
- Heat a pan with enough oil for deep frying over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
3. Prepare the Gathiya Maker:
- As the oil heats, prepare the Gathiya maker (sev press) with a fine or medium plate attachment. Grease the inside of the press with a little oil.
4. Shape and Fry the Gathiya:
- Take a portion of the prepared dough and place it into the Gathiya maker.
- Press the dough directly into the hot oil, moving the Gathiya maker in a circular motion to create spirals or straight lines of dough. You can adjust the thickness as desired.
- Fry the Gathiya until it turns golden brown and becomes crispy, which should take a few minutes.
5. Drain and Cool:
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried Gathiya from the hot oil, allowing excess oil to drain back into the pan.
- Place the fried Gathiya on paper towels to remove any remaining oil.
6. Repeat the Process:
- Continue shaping, frying, and draining the Gathiya with the remaining dough in batches.
7. Cool and Store:
- Allow the fried Gathiya to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container.
Gathiya makes for a delightful, crispy snack that you can enjoy on its own or with a cup of tea. These homemade Gathiya are not only delicious but also a great addition to your snack repertoire.