A meeting between India and the US, Sonia Mangla creates a new take on the classic Indian summer snack Katri Matri.
By Sonia Mangla
“Katri-Matri” as we know it is a all time favorite summer snack food in India, the closest version I have seen in the US is Animal Crackers. I thought It’ll be good fun to mix these two things up & create something thats unique yet tasty. Believe me these cute little snacks make your perfect date with family. I have adapted my mom’s recipe for preparing the dough base. Believe me these crackers were a huge hit at my place and by end of day we were left with no crackers to save. So go ahead and give your family a treat of Indian style animal crackers or “Katri-Matri“. Unleash your creativity on the dough and cut it out in any desired shape and present it the way YOU like.
Katri/Matri – Animal Crackers Indian style
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
Description
A delightful fusion of Indian Katri Matri and American animal crackers, these crispy snacks are perfect for family gatherings and creative fun.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) semolina
- 1/2 stick butter or 1/4 cup (60 ml) canola oil
- 1 tsp carrom seeds
- 1 tsp fenugreek flakes or parsley flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- Few black peppers
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
- Warm water, as needed
Instructions
- Sieve the all-purpose flour and semolina into a bowl to remove any lumps.
- Add salt, carrom seeds, fenugreek flakes, and butter (or canola oil) to the flour mixture.
- Gradually add warm water, mixing continuously, to form a soft dough.
- Cover the dough with a cheesecloth and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes.
- Place the shaped dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- You can use either butter or canola oil depending on your preference.
- Feel free to experiment with different shapes using cookie cutters.
- These crackers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Adding cocoa powder is optional for a hint of chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 10
Hope you you give this recipe a try & enjoy these crackers.
Let me know how you like these ..!!! 
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are carrom seeds and why are they used in these crackers?
Carrom seeds (also called ajwain) are a small, pungent Indian spice with a flavour similar to thyme or oregano. They are a traditional ingredient in Indian savoury snacks like Katri Matri and give the crackers their characteristic warm, slightly sharp bite.
Should I use butter or canola oil in the dough?
Either works — the recipe calls for 1/2 stick of butter or 1/4 cup (60 ml) of canola oil. The notes confirm the choice is a matter of preference: butter will give a slightly richer cracker, while canola oil keeps it lighter.
Why does the dough need to rest for 15 minutes before rolling?
Resting lets the gluten in the flour relax, making the dough easier to roll out evenly to the 1/4 inch thickness needed before cutting into shapes. The recipe specifies covering the dough with a cheesecloth during this rest.
What does the optional cocoa powder do to the crackers?
Adding 1 tsp of cocoa powder gives the crackers a hint of chocolate flavour — the notes describe it as optional and purely for those who want a subtle chocolatey twist on the classic savoury base.
These animal crackers look amazing. And better than the US mass produced version!
they look so cute and delicious