Crackers – Besan Flour & Cardamom

Besan & Cardamom crackers are made with besan (or chickpea) flour which is great for savoury recipes and biscuits as it has a delicious nutty taste and can add a crispness to the dish.  Chickpeas are a good source of plant protein and fibre.

This is a versatile basic recipe and if you prefer herbs to spices, you can omit the spices and add dried thyme, sage and/or rosemary.  It can also be used as a pastry recipe if you add 1/2 cup of buckwheat or brown rice flour and omit the spices and bicarb soda.

Ingredients:

1 cup of Besan (or chickpea) flour

1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds

3 teaspoons of cold water

2 teaspoons of avocado or macadamia nut oil

1/2 teaspoon of cardamom seeds

1/2 teaspoon of  ground cardamon

1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon of aluminium free bicarbonate soda

1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Himalayan or sea salt

 

Method:

• Preheat oven to 180 deg.
• In a bowl or mixer, place the flour, seeds, spices, salt and bicarb and combine well.
• Add the oil slowly into the mixture until it  resembles breadcrumbs.
• Next add the water and combine – this can be done in the mixer or by hand.  If done by hand add the water a little at a time and collect the flour inwards.
• Place the dough on a floured surface and knead into a dough until just mixed and form a ball.
• Add a bit more flour if the mixture is too sticky, or a bit more water if it’s too dry.
• Place the dough between two large sheets of baking paper and with a rolling pin, roll out until 5mm thick.
• Cut into shapes of your choice or use a cookie cutter.
• Place on a baking tray covered in baking paper and cook for 15 minutes or until golden in colour.
• Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.