In the diverse world of Indian tea-time snacks, rava (semolina) holds a place of honor for its incredible versatility and ease. From savory, crispy fritters to soft, steamed cakes, rava-based treats are a staple in households across the country. Their magic lies in the ability to transform a handful of simple pantry ingredients into something truly special in a matter of minutes, making them the perfect solution for spontaneous cravings or unexpected guests.
Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or something sweet, rava is the ideal starting point for a delicious homemade snack. The true charm of these snacks is their distinct and satisfying texture. The coarse grains of semolina are key to creating a delightfully crispy or crunchy exterior when pan-fried or deep-fried, while the inside remains wonderfully soft and light. This perfect textural contrast is what makes snacks like Rava Vada or a crispy Rava Toast so irresistible. It’s a sensory experience that is both hearty and delicate, providing a crunch that gives way to a fluffy, well-cooked interior that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chai.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup fine rava (semolina)
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
- 1 finely chopped green chili
- 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of baking soda (for fluffiness)
- 4 slices of bread
- Oil or butter for toasting
- In a bowl, mix the rava, yogurt, green chili, cilantro, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add water to form a thick, spreadable batter. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the rava to absorb the moisture and fluff up.
- Add a pinch of baking soda and mix gently.
- Generously spread the batter onto one side of each bread slice.
- Heat a pan or griddle with oil or butter. Place the bread slices, batter-side down, and cook on medium heat until the base is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side until golden.
- Serve immediately with green chutney or tomato ketchup.
