If you love having biscuits with tea, you’ll adore these crispy spread cakes! They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect companion for your evening tea. Plus, this recipe is simple and requires only common household ingredients. Let’s dive in!
To make these delicious spread cakes, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (Maida)
- 1 tablespoon semolina (Suji)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons desi ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of food color or turmeric (for color)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder or 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A small pinch of salt
- 3 cardamoms, ground
- Milk (as needed)
For Tea Masala
- 100 gm ginger powder
- 50 gm black pepper
- 25 gm green cardamom
- 7 to 8 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- A few saffron strands (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crispy Spread Cakes
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Begin by taking a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour (Maida).
- Add 1 tablespoon of semolina (Suji) to the bowl.
- Next, add 1 cup of powdered sugar.
- Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Color
- Grind three cardamoms into a fine powder and add them to the flour mixture.
- For color, add a small pinch of food color or turmeric. The color will give the cakes a pleasing appearance.
- Mix all the ingredients well to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate Ghee and Salt
- Now, add 2 tablespoons of desi ghee (clarified butter) to the bowl. This ingredient will provide richness and a crumbly texture to the cakes.
- Add a small pinch of salt for balance in taste.
- Mix all the ingredients until they form a uniform consistency.
Step 4: Add Baking Agent
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. This will help the cakes to rise slightly and become fluffy on the inside.
- Gradually add milk, a little at a time, while mixing. Continue adding milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be firm but pliable.
Step 5: Rest the Dough
- Once the dough is ready, cover it with a cloth and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting allows the ingredients to bind together properly and enhances the texture of the cakes.
How to Make Homemade Tea Masala
A good cup of tea deserves an excellent masala. Here’s how you can prepare a fragrant tea masala at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Spices
- Take a clean, dry mixing jar and add 100 gm of ginger powder.
- Next, add 50 gm of black pepper and 25 gm of green cardamom.
- Add 7 to 8 cloves and a 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick.
Step 2: Grind the Spices
- Grind the spices into a fine powder. This masala will be strong and aromatic, perfect for enhancing the flavor of your tea.
- If desired, add a few strands of saffron for a luxurious touch, especially during winter.
Shaping and Frying the Spread Cakes
Step 1: Shape the Cakes
- After the dough has rested, divide it into small, equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a flat, round cake shape using your hands or a rolling pin.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
Step 3: Fry the Cakes
- Gently place the spread cakes into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cakes from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these crispy spread cakes hot with a cup of your favorite tea.
- You can also enjoy them with a variety of dips like mint chutney or ketchup.
- They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during tea time or any gathering.
Why Make Your Own Spread Cakes?
| Store-Bought | Homemade |
|---|---|
| May contain preservatives | Free from preservatives |
| Higher cost | Cost-effective |
| Limited flavor customization | Customize to your liking |
| Unknown freshness | Freshly made and healthier |
Tips for Perfect Spread Cakes
- Use cold milk: Kneading the dough with cold milk helps maintain the right texture.
- Check oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a perfect crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain the ideal temperature.
Enjoy Your Tea-Time Delight!
These crispy spread cakes are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that pairs wonderfully with tea. Give this recipe a try and surprise your loved ones with a delicious tea-time treat. Enjoy the crispiness in every bite!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed to make crispy spread cakes?
- The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, ghee, and optional food coloring or turmeric.
Can I use an alternative to ghee for making spread cakes?
- Yes, you can use unsalted butter or any vegetable oil, but ghee provides the best flavor and texture.
How can I make the spread cakes fluffier?
- To make them fluffier, ensure you use baking powder and soda, and mix the dough lightly without over-kneading.
Is food coloring necessary for this recipe?
- No, food coloring is optional. Turmeric can be used as a natural alternative for color.
What can I serve with crispy spread cakes?
- You can serve these cakes with tea, coffee, or enjoy them with a side of sweet chutney or jam.
Meet Misha Mehboob, a passionate food enthusiast and computer science student from Sargodha University. Misha’s culinary journey is fueled by her love for exploring new flavors and experimenting in the kitchen.
At CrispyEatHub, Misha shares her creative recipes and practical cooking tips to inspire fellow food lovers on their culinary adventures. From quick weeknight dinners to indulgent desserts, there’s something delicious for every palate.
Join Misha as she combines her love for food and technology to create mouthwatering dishes that delight the senses and bring people together. Let CrispyEatHub be your go-to resource for culinary inspiration and delicious recipes that make every meal memorable.
