Kucho Nimki/Namakpara

It's almost time for bhai phoNta/bhaidooj, an auspicious occasion of Hindu festival celebrated in West Bengal and other parts of India on the second or third day of Kali pooja. 

This is performed by sisters. Brothers sit on a Asan(a nice looking piece of fabric) and sisters apply a phoNta(mark) with sandalwood paste on their forehead and pray for their long healthy life. They also put Durva(a special type of sacred grass) and paddy on their brothers head and then offer gifts and sweets. Sisters also receive goodies and blessings from theirs brothers. This ritual signifies unconditional bond between brothers and sisters. Every year all brothers and sisters look forward for this joyous celebration followed by sumptuous feast.

Asan made by my Ma

In our house my son and daughter both apply phoNta(mark) on each others forehead celebrating loving bond and promising to be there for each other always and forever. We call it "Bhaiboan phoNta". May God always strengthen the eternal bond between brother and sister!

Today, I am sharing Kucho Nimki recipe which is loved by both of my kids. This is diamond or square shaped, deep fried cracker seasoned with nigella seeds and salt. We Bengali make it during Durga poojo through Kali poojo. It makes wonderful tea snacks too.

Ingredients~
2 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/4 tsp nigella seeds
1/4 tsp. salt
2 1/2tbsp. oil 
1 cup oil for frying

Method~
Combine flour, nigella seeds and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add oil in the mixture and rub well until mixture resemblance bread crumbs. Then add warm water and knead the flour mixture into a firm dough for 3-4 minutes. Dough must be smooth. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes covering with a damp cloth. 

Divide dough into 6 equal balls. Flour each balls very lightly. Roll with a rolling pin from the center to the edges up to 10inch circle. Cut the dough into any shapes. I like diamond shaped Nimki. With a pizza cutter or knife cut the dough vertically into 1/4 inch strips first, then cut horizontally leaving 1/4 inch in between. Slip a blunt knife or spatula under the diamond shaped pieces and carefully transfer the pieces on a parchment paper or a plate.  

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Drop couple of pieces in the oil. If oil is hot enough they will sizzle and float to the surface. Do not make oil smoky hot at all. Fry them in small batches until golden brown. Take them out with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Let them cool completely and store in the air tight container. Enjoy with your loved ones!