Spicy Diamond Cuts Recipe | Savory Diamond Cuts | Step by Step

Spicy Diamond Cuts or Maida Biscuits or Khara Biscuits (doesn't matter what you call them) are as much a part of my childhood memories as Kai Murukku and Thenkuzhal. Although I don't make a lot of traditional Indian snacks at home, Diamond Cuts are so easy that I actually made these for starters when cooking dinner for some friends. They are also very addictive and you can't just stop with one 'diamond'. For the longest time, I thought Diamond Cuts are a Kerala snack recipe but apparently they are made and eaten around India, just under different names. They are also a popular savory snack made during Diwali.

So if you are looking for an easy and quick snack that also stores well or you can make ahead, look no further. Why buy Diamond Cuts when you can easily make them at home? The sweet version of Diamond Cuts is equally delicious and quite a treat (and I have this killer Sweet Diamond Cuts recipe from my friend Deepa) but I prefer Spicy Diamond Cuts because I have trouble placing the sweet version in my day. I mean, are they dessert, or snack, or... what? If it's a snack, I prefer my snacks savory but then again, if I had versions in a plate, that would be ideal :D

Since the dough for Diamond Cuts need to sit for a while, you can make it ahead and prepare other things and come back to making these.

SPICY DIAMOND CUTS RECIPE

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes ~ 2 cups diamond cuts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of maida / all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp of cold butter or ghee
• 1/2 tsp of cumin / jeera
• 1 tsp of red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp of hing powder (asafoetida, perungaayam, kaayam)
• 1/4 tsp of ajwain (omam)
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1-2 tsp of finely minced garlic (optional but highly recommended)
• 3 cups of oil, for deep frying

How to Make Spicy Diamond Cuts:

• Mix all ingredients (except oil) lightly with your fingertips until it resembles coarse sand
• Add water very little at a time and knead into a firm ball of dough. It should not be sticky, just moist. Add more flour and knead in if your dough is too sticky
• Transfer to a bowl and cover with a clean, damp, kitchen towel
• Set aside for 30 mins
• Heat oil for frying
• Pinch off a lemon-sized amount of dough and roll into a ball between your palms
• Press lightly and flour generously
• Roll into a thin circle and cut into diamonds with a sharp knife or pizza cutter until, diagonally
• Using a thin spatula, gently lift the pieces and add to the hot oil
• Fry until golden brown - about 3-4 mins, gently turning midway during frying
• Drain and set aside on a plate lined with a kitchen towel
• Serve warm and if you have leftovers, cool completely and store in an airtight container
• Stays fresh for up to a week

Step by Step Pictures for Making Savory Diamond Cuts:

1. Mix all ingredients for diamond cuts lightly with your fingertips until it resembles coarse sand

2. Add enough water to make a non-sticky dough. Keep covered aside for 30 mins.

3. Pinch off a lemon-sized ball and flour generously. Roll into a thin circle.

4. Cut diagonally into diamonds using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife

5. Gently lift with a spatula and add to hot oil.

6. Fry until golden brown

7. Drain and set side on a lined plate. Serve warm or store in airtight containers after completely cooled.

Notes:

- Although I am not a huge fan of ajwain, it adds a nice flavour to Diamond Cuts
- You can use butter or ghee. Don't add too much though because that would make the Diamond Cuts too soft and not crunchy. If you are vegan, use margarine or vanaspati
- The garlic gives a lovely flavour, definitely don't omit if you don't have a dietary restriction
- If you don't want the Diamond Cuts to puff up while frying, use a fork and poke some holes over them just before frying. I didn't mind the puffy ones too so didn't do this step
- You can use also use equal amounts of maida and atta to make the dough instead of using only maida (all-purpose flour)