Mattri (Savory Fried Biscuits)

This savoury Indian biscuit is admittedly far from 'health-food', but it tastes fantastic! Makes a tongue-tickling snack for any time of the day! Prep. time includes resting time for the dough.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Yields: 12-16 mattris

Ingredients

• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 1  cup semolina
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable shortening
• 2  teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1  teaspoon pepper
•  salt
•  water (to mix)
•  milk (to mix)
•  oil (for frying)

Directions

1. In a large bowl mix together the all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, pepper, cumin seeds, and vegetable shortening.
2. Mix lightly to obtain a bread-crumb consistency.
3. Add equal amounts of milk and warm water to make a stiff dough.
4. Knead the dough well for 15-20 minutes, cover, and set aside for another 20 minutes.
5. Make lemon-sized balls of the dough, and roll into 3-inch diameter circles ('puris') on a floured board, using a rolling pin.
6. Prick each'puri' with a fork a few times.
7. Heat oil (for frying) in a heavy frying pan and deep fry the puris, one at a time (turning every minute or so for even browning), until golden brown.
8. Remove from heat and drain excess oil on tissue.
9. Serve plain, or with a sweet/sour chutney.
10. This can be stored in an airtight tin for upto a week.