Crispy, Cheesy Peri Peri Namak Pare – A Tea-Time Delight!
There’s something deeply comforting about Indian tea – time snacks. That moment when the sun begins to set, the kettle whistles in the kitchen, and the whole family gathers around with a cup of steaming chai in hand – it’s ritual that brings warmth to even the busy days…
And what better to accompany your chai than something crispy, savoury and utterly addictive ??
Today, we are making a spicy, modern makeover to a traditional favourite : Namk pare – turning it into something truly unforgettable with the addition of cheese and peri peri masala. The result? A crispy, cheesy, buttery Peri Peri Namak Pare that’s crunchy on the outside, soft yet rich on the inside and packed with yummy flavours in every bite.
Why this recipe is special??
Traditional Namak Pare are simple, salty, crunchy flour crisps – a common sight in Indian households, especially during festivals or tea-time gatherings. But this recipe takes that humble snack to the next level by infusing it with three game-changing ingredients:
- Butter, for a melt-in-the-mouth richness
- Cheese, for that irresistible savory depth and crunch-enhancing texture
- Peri Peri Masala, for a fiery kick that wakes up your taste buds
The magic of this recipe lies in how beautifully these flavors come together – the familiar texture of the namak pare, the unexpected cheesiness, and the tangy heat from the peri peri make it a snack no one can’t resist. It’s a great way to modernize a traditional snack, making it more appealing to kids and perfect for parties or get togethers.
Whether you are hosting guests, prepping for Diwali, looking for something tasty to pack in your child’s lunchbox, or simply
indulging yourself after a long day, these namak pare are sure to become a household favorite.
They also store beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week — though we doubt they’ll last that long once you taste them!
Let’s dive into the magic…
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Grated cheese – 2 cubes
- Cold milk – ¼ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Oil – to fry
- Perry Perry masala – 1 tbsp
Method
Step 1 – Make the dough
- Firstly, take a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of all purpose flour.
- Next, add 2 tbsp of soft butter. For this use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Now grate 2 cheese cubes directly into the bowl. Mix everything well using your hands. These adds flavor and richness, making the dough extra tasty.
- Now slowly add 1/4 cup of cold milk, little by little, and knead into a medium – firm dough. Do not over knead, we want the dough to be soft but not sticky.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2 – Roll and cut
- After resting, knead the dough once more for about a minute.
- Now divide the dough into smaller portions.
- Dust your rolling surface with a little dry flour and roll out the dough thinly, like a roti or chapati. The thinner, the crisper!
- Now cut the rolled dough into your favorite shape — squares, diamonds, or strips, pizza cutter or sharp knife works best for clean cuts.
Step 3: Deep Fry
- Now heat oil in a deep pan on medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough — it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
- Then, carefully drop a handful of cut pieces into the oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry until golden and crisp on all sides. Thanks to the cheese, they brown faster than regular namak pare — so keep an eye on them!
- Once golden, remove them onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Flavor Bomb!
- While the namak pare are still warm, sprinkle 1 tablespoon (or to taste) of Peri Peri masala over them.
- Toss gently to coat evenly. You can also use a mix of peri peri + chili flakes + garlic powder for an extra flavor punch.
- Store in an airtight container once cooled. They stay fresh and crispy for up to a week (if they last that long!). Serve with masala chai, coffee, or even a chilled drink for an exciting snack
So, next time you’re craving something crispy with your evening chai or looking for a quick festive snack to impress guests, give these Cheesy Peri Peri Namak Pare a try. They’re a delicious twist to the classic — bold, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating.
Stay tuned for more such tasty recipes!
Till then, eat homemade, stay happy, and take care of yourself!
Tips & Tricks:
- Cheese Tips: Use processed cheese cubes or even mozzarella for a pull-apart surprise. Avoid watery cheese types.
- Spice Level: Adjust the peri peri masala to your taste. You can go mild or fiery!
- Rolling Tip: Roll the dough evenly. Uneven dough leads to uneven frying.
- Batch Frying: Always fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
