Diamond Cuts sweet and spicy

 

Diamond cuts have been a staple south Indian snack for decades, particularly during Onam season. You can make the diamond cuts either sweet or spicy, but festival seasons call for the sweet ones. Spicy diamond cuts are usually served as an evening tea-time snack. 

The only major variation is using chili powder for spicy, and sugar syrup for sweet diamond cuts.

Ingredients

1 cup=250 ml

For spicy diamond cuts

Plain flour, 2 cups 

Ghee, 2 tsp

Salt, 1 tsp

Black sesame seeds, 2 tsp

Pepper powder, ¼ tsp

Chili powder, 1 tsp

Turmeric powder,1/2 tsp

Asafoetida, ¼ tsp

Water, ¾ cup 

Vegetable oil, 2 tsp

For sweet diamond cuts

Plain flour, 1 cup

Ghee, 1 tsp

Salt, a pinch

Turmeric powder,1/4 tsp

Black sesame seeds, 1 tsp

Water, 8 to 9 tbs 

Vegetable oil, 1 tsp

For sugar syrup

Sugar, ¼ cup

Water, 2 tbs

Oil, to deep fry.

Preparation

For Spicy diamond cuts

• Mix flour, salt, ghee, sesame, pepper powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, and asafoetida, with your hands.
• Add 3 – 4 tbs of water and mix well. Add the rest of the water little by little and knead to make a dough a little softer than chapatti dough.
• Apply2 tsp oil on the dough and set aside covered in a bowl, for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, knead it once again and roll into four balls.
• Roll one ball using a rolling pin (like a thin chapatti) on a floured surface. While rolling, sprinkle flour to avoid sticking.
• After flattening into a circle, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut vertical strips one inch apart from other, and then diagonally to make a diamond shape.
• Using a thin spatula, gently remove the pieces and arrange on a plate.
• Heat oil in an iron pan. To test the temperature, drop a piece into it; it should rise and sizzle. 
• Drop the pieces and fry over low to medium flame, until golden brown and crispy. If the flame is too high, the diamond cuts will cook too quickly and turn soggy when cool.
• Transfer to a dry bowl lined with a paper towel.
• Fry the first portion in two or three batches according to the size of your pan.
• Repeat for the other 3 balls.
• Once cool, transfer to a glass jar.

For sweet diamond cuts

• Repeat the same process as mentioned for the spicy diamond cuts to prepare the dough.
• Divide this dough into two balls and repeat the same process for frying as well.
• Allow to cool completely.
• Take sugar and water in a pan, and heat over a low flame.
• Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• The liquid should be viscous enough to form a thread between two fingers when dipped to test.
• Drizzle the hot sugar syrup over the diamond cuts with a spoon and toss to coat.
• Once cool, transfer to a glass jar.

Diamond cuts can be stored for up to a month. 

Your diamond cuts are ready. Enjoy! Please share and comment.😊

 Thank you 😍