In India, chai-time calls for some greasy and decadent snacks like bread rolls, cutlets, spring rolls, samosas, mathris etc. However, all of these are quite dense in oil content, which may wreak havoc on your heart health. To steer clear of the same, you can swap these oil-laden snacks with something healthy that is devoid of excess calories. What if we say that you can now give your favourite chai-time mathris a healthy makeover? Yes, you read that right. Those deep-fried bite-sized delights can now be baked and can have healthy ingredients like oats and flaxseed, both of which are said to be replete with health-benefiting properties.
According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "Flaxseeds are a great source of soluble mucilaginous (gum-like) fibre that can lower "unhealthy" (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, balance blood sugar level and act as hunger suppressant." And when it comes to oats, they have been found to be effective in soothing nerves. They contain an alkaloid gramine, a natural sedative, which may help heal depression, anxiety and insomnia, notes the book 'Healing Foods'.
(Also Read: Indian Cooking Tips: Try Low-Cal Masala Makhana For A Healthy Mid-Day Snack (Recipe Video))
Here's How You Can Make Oats And Flaxseed Mathri At Home:
Ingredients:
Flaxseeds - 1 tbsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Ajwain seeds - 1 tbsp
Whole Wheat Flour - 1 cup
Oats - 1 cup
Chaat Masala - 1 tbsp
Oil (for kneading)
Method:
Take a grinder and add both oats and flaxseeds to it. Grind both the ingredients to make a smooth powder.
Now, take a wide bowl and add all the ingredients to it along with little oil and water so as to knead soft dough.
Take small portions of the dough and make round balls. Roll it over to make 2-inch diameter circle and prick holes on the rolled-out dough using a fork. This will prevent them from puffing up during the baking process.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 160C. Place the rolled-out mathris on a baking tray and grease with a little bit of oil. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes and the mathris will turn out to be crunchy and flavourful.
So, without further ado, bring together the above-mentioned ingredients and make for yourself a fresh batch of these healthy mathris to make your evening chai-time wholesome. If you know of more such healthy snacking options, do share with us in the comment section below.