Maida Namkeen Recipe – Crispy & Spicy Fried Maida Karela Snack
Maida Namkeen, also known as Maida Karela Namkeen, is a crispy and savory Indian tea-time snack made using refined flour, ghee, and spices. Shaped like tiny bitter gourds (karela), this unique fried delicacy is crunchy, flavorful, and absolutely addictive with a cup of evening chai.
Ingredients
- 2 cups refined flour (maida)
- ½ teaspoon ajwain (celery seeds)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (for the dough)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Refined oil – for deep frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add maida, ajwain, salt, black pepper powder, and ghee.
- Mix everything well with fingers to incorporate the ghee into the flour.
- Add water little by little and knead into a stiff dough. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
- Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a very thin oval or circle.
- Using a knife, make 3–4 vertical cuts in the center without cutting the edges.
- Hold one top and bottom corner and twist to form a karela-like shape.
- Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- Heat oil in a kadhai or deep pan on medium flame.
- Fry the prepared shapes in batches until they turn crisp and golden.
- Remove on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container.
- Serve with tea or as a crunchy snack any time of the day.
Chef’s Tips
- Add 1 tsp sesame seeds or crushed kasuri methi for extra flavor.
- For extra crispiness, make sure the dough is stiff and the rolled sheets are very thin.
- Replace black pepper with red chili flakes for a spicier version.
- You can even sprinkle chaat masala after frying for a tangy twist.