Tikhat Shankarpali
A crispy, flaky, and savory deep-fried snack from Maharashtra. These diamond-shaped bites are spiced with chili, cumin, and carom seeds, making them a perfect tea-time treat or festive goodie.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the dough
- b.In a large bowl, mix together the maida, rava, ajwain, jeera, red chili powder, turmeric powder, hing, and salt.
- c.Heat the ghee until it's hot. Carefully pour the hot ghee over the flour mixture. This is called 'mohan' and makes the shankarpali flaky.
- d.Use a spoon first, then your fingertips to rub the ghee into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- e.Gradually add water and knead into a stiff, firm dough. Do not make it soft.
- f.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Roll and cut the shankarpali
- b.After resting, knead the dough again for a minute.
- c.Divide the dough into 4-5 equal portions and roll them into smooth balls.
- d.Take one ball and roll it into a thin circle (chapati), about 2-3 mm thick. It should not be too thick or too thin.
- e.Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into vertical strips, about 1 inch apart.
- f.Then, cut diagonally across the strips to create diamond shapes.
- g.Carefully separate the diamond pieces and place them on a plate. Cover with a cloth to prevent drying while you roll the rest.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the shankarpali
- b.Heat oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat.
- c.To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into it. It should sizzle and rise to the surface gradually.
- d.Carefully slide a batch of the cut shankarpali into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- e.Reduce the heat to low-medium and fry, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp. This will take about 6-8 minutes per batch.
- f.Remove the fried shankarpali with a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cool and store
- b.Let the shankarpali cool down completely to room temperature. They will become crispier as they cool.
- c.Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Kneading a stiff dough is key. A soft dough will absorb too much oil and won't be as crispy.
- 2The hot ghee or oil ('mohan') is crucial for creating a flaky, crumbly texture.
- 3Fry on low to medium heat. Frying on high heat will brown the outside quickly while leaving the inside uncooked and soft.
- 4Roll the dough evenly to ensure all pieces cook uniformly.
- 5Ensure the shankarpali are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use whole wheat flour (atta) instead of all-purpose flour and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden, flipping halfway. The texture will be denser but healthier.
gluten freeGluten free
Replace all-purpose flour and semolina with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
veganVegan
Use 3 tablespoons of hot vegetable oil instead of ghee for the 'mohan' to make this recipe completely vegan.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the red chili powder to 1/2 tsp for a much milder, less spicy version that's suitable for children.
