These crispy sesame crackers are a delightful snack that offers a perfect balance of nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Crafted with a unique blend of ghee, vegetable oil, cornstarch, and sesame seeds, these crackers achieve a delicate, flaky texture that is both light and satisfying. The simple combination of ingredients transforms into a golden-brown treat that is perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside appetizers. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dips and spreads, these sesame crackers are sure to become a beloved addition to your snack repertoire.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Ingredients:
- 100ml hot water (50-60°C/122-140°F)
- 50ml odorless vegetable oil (e.g., sunflower, canola)
- 50g ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 50g cornstarch
- 220g all-purpose wheat flour (+/- 30g)
- 80g sesame seeds
Directions:
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Prepare the Liquid Base:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour the hot water, vegetable oil, and ghee.
- Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until the ghee is completely melted and the liquids are well combined.
- The warmth of the water will help the ghee melt smoothly.
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Add Seasonings:
- Add the salt and sugar to the liquid mixture.
- Stir thoroughly until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. This ensures even flavor distribution in the crackers.
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Incorporate Cornstarch:
- Add the cornstarch to the liquid mixture.
- Stir vigorously with a whisk or spatula to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue stirring until the cornstarch is completely incorporated, creating a smooth and slightly thickened liquid.
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Gradually Add Flour:
- Begin adding the all-purpose wheat flour to the mixture, a little at a time.
- Use a spatula or your hands to mix the flour into the liquid, gradually forming a dough.
- The dough will initially be sticky, but as you add more flour, it will become firmer and less sticky.
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Knead the Dough:
- Once most of the flour has been incorporated, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- If the dough is still too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- The amount of flour needed may vary slightly depending on humidity and other factors.
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Add Sesame Seeds:
- Add the sesame seeds to the dough.
- Knead the dough gently to evenly distribute the sesame seeds throughout.
- Ensure the seeds are well incorporated to provide a consistent nutty flavor in every cracker.
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Rest the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the crackers from sticking.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- Lightly flour a clean work surface.
- Divide the dough into two or three portions to make it easier to handle.
- Roll out each portion of dough into a thin layer, approximately 2mm thick.
- Use a rolling pin to achieve a uniform thickness, ensuring the crackers bake evenly.
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Cut the Crackers:
- Use a cookie cutter, pizza cutter, or a sharp knife to cut the dough into desired shapes.
- You can create squares, rectangles, circles, or any other shape you prefer.
- If you don’t have cookie cutters, a pizza cutter or a knife will work just fine.
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Transfer to Baking Sheet:
- Carefully transfer the cut crackers to the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange the crackers in a single layer, leaving a small gap between them to allow for even baking.
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Bake the Crackers:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as they can brown quickly.
- The baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the crackers and the oven temperature.
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Cool and Serve:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool on the sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cooled crackers to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, they will become even crispier.
- Serve the crackers as a snack, with dips, or alongside your favorite appetizers.
Nutritional Facts: (Approximate values per serving, based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 180-220 kcal
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fat: 10-14g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
The Origins and Popularity of Recipe in paragraph form (300 words): The origins of crispy sesame crackers can be traced to various culinary traditions across Asia and the Middle East, where sesame seeds have been used for centuries. These seeds, rich in flavor and nutrients, have been incorporated into numerous snacks and baked goods. The combination of simple ingredients like flour, oil, and seeds is a hallmark of traditional baking practices, where resourcefulness and simplicity were key. The popularity of these crackers stems from their versatility and satisfying texture. They are a staple snack in many cultures, often served during festive occasions or as part of everyday meals. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize flavors have contributed to their widespread appeal. The use of ghee, a form of clarified butter, adds a distinct richness and flakiness to the crackers, enhancing their overall taste. Today, crispy sesame crackers are enjoyed globally, reflecting their adaptability and enduring appeal. They are often served as appetizers, snacks, or accompaniments to various dishes, showcasing their flexibility in different culinary contexts. The balance of nutty sesame flavor and crispy texture makes them a favorite among snack lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and Nutty: The combination of sesame seeds and the baking process creates a satisfyingly crunchy texture with a rich, nutty flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to prepare anytime.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside appetizers.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily add other seeds, spices, or herbs to create your own unique flavor variations.
- Homemade Delight: Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own crispy crackers from scratch.
Health Benefits of:
- Rich in Nutrients: Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: Ghee and vegetable oil provide healthy fats.
- Source of Fiber: Sesame seeds contribute to dietary fiber.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Snacking: Enjoy them on their own as a light and crunchy snack.
- Dipping: Serve with dips like hummus, guacamole, or yogurt-based dips.
- Appetizer Platter: Include them as part of an appetizer platter with cheese, olives, and cured meats.
- Soup Accompaniment: Serve them alongside soups or stews for added crunch.
- Salad Topping: Crumble them over salads for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Tips:
- Adjust Flour as Needed: The amount of flour needed may vary slightly depending on humidity and other factors. Adjust as needed to achieve a smooth, non-sticky dough.
- Roll Out Thinly: Roll the dough out thinly for crispier crackers.
- Even Baking: Ensure the crackers are evenly spaced on the baking sheet for uniform baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the crackers to cool completely on a wire rack to enhance their crispiness.
- Store Properly: Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Variations to Try:
- Add Other Seeds: Incorporate poppy seeds, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add spices like cumin, chili flakes, or paprika to the dough for a savory kick.
- Herb Infused: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Cheese Crackers: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the dough for a cheesy variation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use butter instead of ghee?
- Yes, you can use unsalted butter.
- Can I use a different type of starch?
- Potato starch or tapioca starch can also be used.
- How do I store the crackers?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, they store well.
- Can I make these gluten free?
- A gluten free flour blend may be substituted, but results may vary.
- Can I add cheese?
- Yes, add a small amount of hard grated cheese to the dough.