Gathiya Sticks

Gathiya is one of those snacks that holds its own against any competition. Thin gram flour sticks pressed through a sev press with ajwain seeds and black pepper, fried until crisp and light. They don't feel heavy, don't leave oil on your hands, and they have a quiet flavour that makes you keep reaching back into the container.

These are made with gram flour, ajwain (carom seeds), black pepper, a little oil and salt. The ajwain gives a subtle fragrance and aids digestion. The black pepper gives a mild heat that builds. They're fried in clean oil at the right temperature so the interior is fully cooked and the exterior stays crunchy without being dark.

Gathiya are the classic tea-time snack across western India. Break them into pieces, eat them whole, or use them as a base for a quick chaat with yogurt and chutneys. They're also good crushed over khichdi or dal for texture.

Store in an airtight container. They keep their crunch well at room temperature for two to three weeks.