Farsan—just the name brings back memories of festive evenings, laughter-filled gatherings, and that irresistible crunch with every bite! Farsan, a savoury Indian snack, has been a favourite for centuries, especially in Western India. But what if you could elevate this beloved snack even more? The secret ingredient here is cold pressed groundnut oil. Let us take you through how this nutritious oil can make your farsan not only tastier but also healthier!
Why Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil?
Before we jump into the recipe, here’s a quick breakdown of why cold pressed groundnut oil is a game changer:
- Rich in Nutrients: This oil is loaded with Vitamin E and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and skin health.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: The monounsaturated fats in cold-pressed groundnut oil help maintain cholesterol levels.
- Natural Flavor: Unlike refined oils, cold pressed oils retain their natural nutty flavour, enhancing the taste of your dishes.
Now that we know why this oil is perfect, let’s move on to the recipe!
Ingredients For Farsan
To make a crispy batch of farsan using cold-pressed groundnut oil, you will need:
- 2 cups gram flour (besan)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cold-pressed groundnut oil (for the dough)
- Salt to taste
- Cold water for kneading
- Cold-pressed groundnut oil (for frying)
Instructions to Prepare Farsan
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the gram flour, turmeric, carom seeds, baking soda, red chilli powder, and salt. Add 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed groundnut oil and mix it into the flour mixture with your hands. This will make the dough softer and give it a rich texture.
Gradually add cold water to form a smooth dough. The dough should be firm but pliable, not too sticky or dry. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare for the next step.
2. Shape the Farsan
Traditionally, farsan is made using a farsan maker or sev press. If you have one, grease it lightly with cold-pressed groundnut oil and fill it with a portion of the dough. If you don’t have a press, you can roll the dough into thin, long pieces by hand.
3. Heat the Oil
Heat enough cold-pressed groundnut oil in a deep pan for frying. Cold-pressed oils have a slightly lower smoking point than refined oils, so make sure to heat the oil on medium to low heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil; if it rises to the surface quickly, you’re good to go!
4. Fry the Farsan
Using the farsan press, carefully press out the dough into the hot oil in circular motions. Fry the strands of dough until they are golden brown and crispy. Remember to keep the heat on medium to ensure even cooking and that delicious crunch!
Once done, remove the farsan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Cool and Store
Let the farsan cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will keep the farsan fresh and crispy for several days, making it a perfect snack to munch on anytime.
The Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil Difference
Cold-pressed groundnut oil not only gives your farsan that extra crispy texture but also infuses it with a slightly nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the spices in the dough. Plus, it’s a much healthier alternative to regular refined oils, so you can snack guilt-free!
Serving Suggestions
Farsan is incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it on its own with a hot cup of tea, sprinkle it over your bhel or chaats, or serve it as a side with any Indian meal for that added crunch. It’s the ultimate savoury snack that never fails to impress!
Making farsan with cold pressed groundnut oil not only elevates the flavour but also adds a wholesome twist to this classic snack. So, the next time you’re craving something crunchy, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed by the results! Happy cooking!
