Baked Nimki/Namkeen/Diamond Cuts

  Namakpara, Nimki, Namkeen, Diamond cuts, all these are name of a beloved snack prepared during Diwali to share among family and friends. We, bengalees love these namkin(salty snacks) always and make allover the year, but prepare these especially on Bijaya dashami/Dusshera time to distribute among relatives and friends. It's very easy to make and a perfect crunchy snacks for munching with evening tea/coffee. This snack is traditionally deep fried in oil, but nowadays health-consious people are preparing this without deep frying it but baked. I have also tried the baked and healthier version using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour(maida) and I'm very happy with the outcome.

You need :

Whole wheat flour : 1 and 1/2 cup
Baking powder : 1 tsp.
Baking Soda : a pinch
Ghee/clarified butter : 1/3 cup(melted)
Salt to taste (~ 1/2 tsp)
Black cumin seeds : 1 tsp.
Chilled water : 1/2 cup

How to Prepare :

• Preheat oven to 180 C. Grease a baking tray.
• In a  bowl, mix whole wheat flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• Add ghee and mix together till it resembles bread crumbs.
• Add black cumin seeds and then knead into a dough adding just as much water is needed to make a soft and pliable dough. Dough should be little stiff, otherwise we won't be able to cut them into shapes.
• Cover with a damp cloth and keep aside for about half an hour.
• Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll out into a round shaped disc(roti) on a lightly floured surface. I rolled it out to a little thicker than a roti (about 1/8th of an inch).
• Prick here and there with a fork. With a sharp knife or pastry cutter make diagonal lines at equal intervals on the rolled out discs and then once again cut crosswise to give diamond shapes.  
• Place the diamond shaped nimkis in batches on a lightly greased tray and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipover the upper side after some time, check that they doesn't over brown. 

• Cool and store in air tight containers and keep them fresh for months. 

Sending them to my ongoing event, Spotlight : Healthy Baking 

Also to CWF : Whole Wheat Flour, hosted by Nivedhanam, started by Sumadhura

Also to Let’s Party – Eggless Bakes and Treats @ Nivedhanam 

Also to  Give me Some snacks, event hosted by Indian Vegetarian Recipes