Looking for a crunchy, savory snack that’s not only delicious but also vegan and gluten-free? Say hello to Chickpea Fennel Crackers! These delightful bites are packed with flavor and are incredibly easy to make. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these wholesome crackers that are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or even as a healthy addition to your lunchbox. With a hint of aromatic fennel and the nutty goodness of chickpea flour, these crackers will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 24 crackers
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the cracker dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of chickpea flour, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly using a whisk or fork to ensure even distribution of the fennel seeds and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the oil into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of water to the mixture, a little at a time, stirring continuously. You may not need all of the water, so add just enough until the dough comes together and is not sticky.
- Once the dough is formed, knead it gently in the bowl for a minute or two until it is smooth. If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more water; if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more chickpea flour.
- On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a rolling pin for an even surface. If the dough sticks, dust it lightly with more chickpea flour.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares or rectangles, about 2 inches in size. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes if desired.
- Transfer the cut crackers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other to allow for even baking.
- Optional: Brush the tops of the crackers lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt or extra fennel seeds for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as baking times may vary based on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cooled chickpea fennel crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy them as a snack on their own or with your favorite dips!
Tips
- Perfectly Preheat: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This ensures that your crackers cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: When combining the chickpea flour, fennel seeds, and salt, whisk them well to distribute the fennel seeds evenly. This will enhance the flavor in every bite!
- Dough Consistency: Be cautious when adding water to the dough. Start with a little and mix until you achieve a smooth, non-sticky consistency. If it feels too dry, add a tiny splash more water.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the dough out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness. This helps the crackers bake uniformly. If the dough sticks, dust with a bit more chickpea flour.
- Creative Shapes: Feel free to use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for your crackers. This can make them more appealing, especially for kids or parties!
- Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the crackers as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want to catch them right when they turn golden brown to avoid burning.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, brush the tops of the crackers with olive oil and sprinkle with additional fennel seeds or your favorite herbs before baking.
- Storage: Once cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to a week, but they’re so tasty, they might not last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
