See namkeen shakarpara recipe | masala namkeen shakarpara Diwali snack | crispy namkeen shakarpara | methi shakarpara |

namkeen shakarpara is a popular jar snack from the land of Gujarat. Learn how to make crispy namkeen shakarpara.

Crispy namkeen shakarpara can be made sweet or savoury. Here is a tongue-tickling namkeen shakarpara,  which is perked up with curds, sesame seeds, spice powders and fenugreek leaves. This large and thoughtful assortment of ingredients boosts the flavour of the shakarpara so much that it becomes difficult to stop munching on this delightful farsan.

Masala namkeen shakarpara Diwali snack is one of the most popular jar snacks, in households across the country. It is known by different names but is loved by all. 

To make namkeen shakarpara, combine all the ingredients in a deep bowl, mix well and knead into a stiff dough using approx. 1 tbsp of water. Divide the dough into 5 equal portions. Roll out a portion of the dough into a 175 mm. (7") diameter circle. Prick the surface with a fork at regular intervals. Cut into 25 mm. (1") diamond shaped pieces. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan and deep-fry the namkeen shakarpara, on a slow flame till they turn golden brown in colour and crisp from both the sides. Drain on an absorbent paper. Repeat steps 3 to 6 to make more namkeen shakarpara in 4 more batches. Cool completely and store in an air-tight container. 

Since methi shakarpara are easy to make, it is also made in large volumes, especially during festive occasions like Diwali, when it is served along with tea to friends and family who visit. It can be stored in air tight container for 15 days.

Tips for namkeen shakarpara. 1. You may not need water for kneading the dough as the recipe makes use of curd. 2. You do not require any flour for rolling, but if necessary a little oil can be used for rolling. 32. Do not roll them very thinly. 4. Cook the shakarpara on a slow flame so they cook uniformly from inside as well. 5. It is best to remove them from the oil slightly before they turn dark brown as they often tend to keep cooking after being removed from the oil. You will notice that they become slightly darker as they cool.

Is Namkeen Shakarpara healthy?

No this is not healthy. shakarpara is deep fried. 

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

Methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) : Methi leaves are low in calorie, powerful antioxidant and cures mouth ulcers. Fenugreek leaves help in improving glucose and insulin responses, hence good for diabetics. The levels of cholesterol also reduced with intakes of fenugreek leaves. Rich in Vitamin K which is good for bone metabolism. They are good source of iron which is important for pregnant women as well as other individuals. Iron is a part of hemoglobin in the blood. A deficiency of iron may cause anaemia and that may decrease your work ability and make you fatigue easily. See all benefits of methi leaves here. 

Turmeric Powder (Haldi) : Turmeric helps in digestion of food thus helping to overcome indigestion. Haldi may help in reducing the growth of fat cells in the body. Turmeric, being rich in iron, is highly valuable in the treatment of anaemia and both the root as well as the powder should be a regular part of an anaemic diet. One of the health benefits of turmeric is it’s anti-inflammatory property due to the active compound, Curcumin, which helps to relieve inflammation of the joints and thus is a ladder to relieve pain related to arthritis. The curcumin in haldi also helps to ward of the bacteria’s causing cold, cough and throat irritation.  Turmeric benefits in diabetes management by lowering blood glucose levels. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are useful in the treatment of diabetes patients.  It is known to be a good brain food and keep diseases like Alzheimer’s at bay. See here for detailed turmeric benefits.

Hing ( Asafoetida) : The active compound 'coumarin' helps in managing blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Asafoetida is known to have anti-bacterial properties, which helps to keep asthma at bay. Asafoetida is an age-old remedy for bloating and other stomach problems like flatulence. The best solution is to gulp down little hing with water or dissolve it in water and sip it. It can also be used along with curd or almond oil as a hair mask. It helps to prevent dryness of hair and smoothen as well as strengthen hair.

Curd + Low fat Curds :  Curds help in digestion as it has very good bacteria. Probiotics in curds acts as a mild laxative but, in case of diarrhoea and dysentery, it is a boon, if curd is used with rice. Curd is one of the richest source of protein, calcium and minerals. They help in weight reduction, good for your heart and build immunity. Being low in sodium, it is safe to be eaten by individuals with high blood pressure. The only difference between curds and low fat curds is the fat level. Read the benefits of curds to include in your daily diet. 

Sesame Seeds (Til) : These tiny white seeds are indeed a good source of protein. Half of daily requirement of calcium is fulfilled by consuming ½ cup of sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are a storehouse of iron, folic acid and help to prevent iron deficiency  anaemia and boost your energy. The lignans, a type of polyphenol, present in seed does wonders to naturally reduce cholesterol levels. See detailed benefits of sesame seeds.

Ghee : Other than calories and fats, the only nutrients that ghee is rich in are the vitamins – all of which are fat-soluble. All the 3 vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin K) are antioxidants which have a role in removing free radicals from the body and protecting our cell as well as help in maintaining skin health and glow. Ghee is an excellent, high-quality selection medium of cooking because of its high smoke point. As compared to most oils and butter, ghee can handle a smoke point of 230°C, 450°F, thus its less prone to oxidant and destruction of nutrients. Yes, ghee does contain cholesterol, but some amount of cholesterol is needed by the body. Cholesterol has some functions to play too. It is necessary for hormone production, brain function, cell health and lubricating the joints. It is, in reality, a high quality fat for the body and brain. Ghee is loaded with fats but that’s medium chain fatty acids (MCT) which aid in weight loss. Ghee is healthy for daibetics in small amounts. Learn to easily make your ghee at home which is free of preservatives. See benefits of ghee. 

What's the problem?

Plain flour (maida) : This recipe uses plain flour or maida which is refined carb not suitable for healthy lifestyle. Maida consumption in any food should be totally avoided or use in very small quantities as any consumption of this will cause a larger spike in blood sugar levels which is not good for diabetics, heart patients. The development of prediabetes comes from uncontrolled eating sugar and refined food products for many years and the classic symptom is if you have excess belly fat. This leads to diabetes and further onwards to heart attack, high blood pressure, strokes, impotence and kidney damage.  Read is maida good for you to understand fully.

Red chilli powder : Red chilli powder can set the taste buds on fire, and sometimes the tummy too! It is basically a spice blend consisting of one or two types of dried red chillies that are ground and pulverized into a fine powder. It is generally used to add spice to otherwise bland foods.

Vegetable Oils : To some vegetable oil is only soyabean oil, while some promote it as a mix of oils like soyabean, canola, sunflower, corn and other omega-6 rich oils. These are often cheaper options than many oils, but they are highly processed oils. They are undoubtedly not to be reached out for, whether you are looking for salad dressings, sautéing or cooking.  The 5 best oils used in cooking are olive oil (low temperature short time cooking), avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil and peanut oil. You must read the super article to find the facts of  which oil is the healthiest avoid vegetable oil. 

Deep fried foods : This recipe is deep fried. Any food that is deep fried is not suitable for healthy living. Your fat levels increase as deep frying increases oil absorption. Also when you use the same oil again for deep frying then smoking point decreases which leads to the development of blue smoke which is not good for health. Processed food, Deep Fried Foods also increases inflammation in the body and shuts down the fat burning process. Most diseases from heart, to cardio vascular, diabetes, parkinsons, alzheimer, cancer and obesity result when the cells get inflamed and then they don't function correctly. Inflammation in the arteries can cause heart attacks. So your diet should contain foods that fight inflammation in the body. That's how your body gets healthier by eating the right stuff. 

Note : 1 cup = 200 ml (standard cup available in the market). The weight in grams varies for each ingredient.

Can diabetics, heart patients and overweight individuals have Namkeen Shakarpara?

No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss.  Sugar  is also called white poison. It is a simple carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. On intake, sugar will cause inflammation of the body which will last for many hours. 

Can healthy individuals have Namkeen Shakarpara?

No, it's not healthy. This recipe is deep fried. Any food that is deep fried is not suitable for healthy living. Your fat levels increase as deep frying increases oil absorption. Also when you use the same oil again for deep frying then smoking point decreases which leads to the development of blue smoke which is not good for health.

Here are some Healthy Indian snack options.

You can have Flax Seed Shakarpara, Diabetic Friendly, Baked Samosa with mixed sprouts, Matarsutir Kachori,  Oats Moong Dal Tikki, Baked methi muthia recipe,  Zunka recipe, moong dal dhokla recipe,  bajra carrot onion uttapam recipe , baked palak jowar murukku, mini jowar pancakes, oats upma, baked sev , baked whole wheat puris, paneer pudina tikki or buckwheat pancake as one healthy recipe option. 

Flax Seed Shakarpara, Diabetic Friendly

One cup of Namkeen Shakarpara is high in

1. Protein : Protein is required for the managing the wear and tear of all cells of the body. 

2. Vitamin A : Vitamin A is crucial for healthy vision, cell growth and healthy skin. 

3. Vitamin B1 : Vitamin B1 protects nerves, helps in carbohydrate metabolism, prevents heart diseases and helps produce red blood cells. 

4. Vitamin B3 (niacin) : Vitamin B3 helps in brain functioning and mental health. Also healthy skin formation.  

5. Calcium : Calcium  is a mineral that makes bones stay strong. Required from kids to adults.

6. Iron : Iron is essential in the chemical reactions that produce energy from foods. Eat more greens and garden cress seeds to prevent you from being anaemic. Here are the top 7 sources of iron rich foods. 

7. Magnesium : Magnesium is required for formation of bones and teeth. It helps in the metabolism of calcium and potassium.

8. Phosphorus : Phosphorous works closely with calcium to build bones. 

Note : a recipe is deemed high in a Vitamin or mineral if it meets 20% and above the recommended daily allowance based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

How to burn 654 calories that come from one cup of Namkeen Shakarpara?

Walking (6 kmph) = 3 hour 16 mins
Running (11 kmph) = 1 hour 6 mins
Cycling (30 kmph) = 1 hour 27 mins
Swimming (2 kmph) = 1 hour 52 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.