Chilli Biscuits - Khara Biscuits

Every time those hunger pangs hit, especially in the evening between 4:30 and 6pm, too early to have dinner and a good while after lunch; I miss the numerous snacks available at bakeries in India. Every bakery was so easily accessible that not more than a few days went by without eating delicious Egg Puffs, Veg Puffs, Khara Bun, Sweet Bun or yummy cakes. In the list was also these delicious spicy biscuits flavoured with herbs and absolutely divine. Aptly named 'Khara Biscuit' it was the tasty alternative to those who frowned upon the calories loaded Benne Biscuit (Butter cookies) I knew mom used to make these for her baking classes, and I got the recipe from her last week. It was a walk down memory lane with every single bite.

You will need: (Makes 15-16)

1 Cup All purpose Flour/Maida
¾ stick (75gms) Margarine (at room temp)
2 tsp Powdered Sugar
1 tsp Salt
¾ tsp Baking powder
6-8 Green Chillies chopped (alter to suit your taste)
2 tbsp Yoghurt (plain)
10 Curry Leaves chopped into small bits
½” pc Ginger, grated
6 Mint leaves finley chopped

Preheat oven to 400F.

Sieve the flour, baking powder and powdered sugar. Using a stand up mixer or a hand held one cream the margarine till smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cut chillies, curry leaves, mint and yoghurt. Slowly add in the flour mixture till the everything comes together. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead till it becomes a smooth ball. Roll out dough till it’s a ¼ of an inch thick. Use a 2 inch wide biscuit cutter to cut the dough into as many biscuits as possible. Bring remaining dough together and repeat kneading, rolling and cutting. Place biscuits on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven for 15 minutes till light brown on the edges.

I made this for a small tea party with friends, and it was gone in minutes! Can't wait to make these again :)