Khichu facts for kids

Khichu or Khichiyu is a special kind of dough that people in India use to make a crispy flatbread called papad. But it's not just for papad! Many people also love to eat Khichu as a tasty snack all by itself. It's often made from rice flour, but sometimes other types of flour are used too.

What is Khichu?

Khichu is a popular and unique snack from the state of Gujarat in India. It's known for its soft, sticky texture and savory flavor. Imagine a warm, soft dough that's seasoned with spices – that's Khichu! It's a comfort food that's easy to make and very satisfying.

How is Khichu Made?

Making Khichu is a simple process that involves cooking flour with water and special ingredients. It's a bit like making a thick porridge, and then it's steamed to perfection.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredient for Khichu is usually rice flour. However, sometimes people use other flours like wheat or millet flour to give it a different taste. Two important ingredients that give Khichu its unique flavor are:

• Cumin seeds: These tiny seeds add a warm, earthy spice.
• Papad Khar: This is a special alkaline salt. It helps make the Khichu soft and gives it a slightly chewy texture. It's similar to baking soda but used for specific traditional recipes.

Cooking Steps

To make Khichu, here's how it generally works:

• First, water is brought to a boil in a pot.
• Then, the cumin seeds and Papad Khar are added to the boiling water.
• Next, the flour is slowly stirred into the water. It's mixed continuously to prevent lumps, and it cooks down into a thick, dough-like mixture, much like a very thick porridge.
• Once the dough is formed, it's often steamed for a short while. This steaming helps to cook the dough completely and makes it even softer and more pliable.

How to Enjoy Khichu?

Khichu is usually served hot and fresh. People often drizzle a little bit of oil over it, which adds to its flavor and makes it smoother. A sprinkle of chilli powder is also very common for those who like a little spicy kick! It's a simple yet delicious snack that's enjoyed by many, especially during the monsoon season or as a quick evening treat.

Images for kids

• 

  Khichu