Tea time is a cherished ritual in many cultures, providing a delightful pause in the day to relax and recharge. While sipping on a warm cup of tea, pairing it with the right snacks can enhance the experience even further. Sooji, also known as semolina, is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into an array of delectable snacks that perfectly complement your evening tea. In this article, we will explore six lip-smacking sooji snacks that are not only easy to prepare but also add a touch of innovation to your tea-time spread.
Sooji Dhokla
Originating from the western Indian state of Gujarat, dhokla is a spongy and savory steamed cake that has won hearts across the nation. When made with sooji, it takes on a unique texture that's both light and slightly crunchy. To prepare sooji dhokla, mix sooji with yogurt, a touch of turmeric, and some green chili paste for a hint of heat. Allow the mixture to ferment for a few hours and then steam it until it's soft and fluffy. Once cooled, cut the dhokla into bite-sized pieces and temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves for that irresistible aroma. Serve these golden squares with a side of mint chutney, and watch them disappear in no time.
Sooji Cutlets
Elevate the humble cutlet by adding a sooji twist to it. Prepare a mixture of boiled and mashed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn, and then incorporate roasted sooji to bind the mixture. Season with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala for an explosion of flavors. Shape the mixture into patties and shallow fry until they turn golden brown. These crispy and satisfying cutlets are perfect for dipping into your evening tea and provide a wholesome and satisfying snack experience.
Sooji Fritters
Pakodas, or fritters, are a quintessential Indian tea-time snack, and by using sooji, you can add a delightful crunch to the equation. Create a batter by mixing sooji with spices like red chili powder, asafoetida, and finely chopped onions. Gradually add water to form a thick batter and then deep-fry spoonfuls of it until they are golden and crispy. These sooji fritters are the perfect blend of textures – crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside – making them an ideal companion to your cup of tea.
Sooji Upma
A classic South Indian favorite, sooji upma is a savory porridge-like dish that's hearty and wholesome. Roast sooji until it turns golden and aromatic, then sauté it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped vegetables, and green chilies. Add water and let the mixture cook until the sooji absorbs the flavors and becomes fluffy. Garnish with fresh coriander and grated coconut for an extra layer of taste and texture. Sooji upma is not only quick to prepare but also a balanced and nutritious snack that perfectly complements your evening tea.
Sooji Bread Toast
If you're looking for a fusion of flavors, sooji bread toast is the way to go. Create a mixture of sooji, yogurt, and chopped vegetables, and then spread it generously on slices of bread. Toast the bread on a griddle until the sooji mixture is cooked and the bread turns golden and crispy. This innovative snack combines the goodness of a classic toast with the added twist of sooji, making it an ideal accompaniment to your evening tea.
Sooji Ladoo
No list of Indian snacks is complete without a sweet option. Sooji ladoos are a popular dessert that's surprisingly easy to prepare. Roast sooji until it's aromatic and then mix it with ghee, powdered sugar, cardamom, and finely chopped nuts. Shape the mixture into small, round balls, and your sooji ladoos are ready to be enjoyed. These bite-sized delights provide a sweet balance to your tea-time spread and are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Incorporating sooji into your evening tea-time snacks can bring a delightful twist to your palate. From savory options like sooji dhokla, cutlets, and fritters to hearty dishes like sooji upma, and even sweet treats like sooji ladoos, there's a sooji snack for every taste preference. These snacks not only add variety to your tea-time ritual but also showcase the versatility of sooji as an ingredient. So, the next time you're sipping on your favorite blend of tea, consider elevating the experience with one of these scrumptious sooji snacks. Your taste buds will thank you!