- Dry roast kasuri methi until fragrant and crispy, then crush it by hand.
- Combine the roasted kasuri methi, rice flour, diced garlic, and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add water to the mixture to create a thin, smooth batter (thinner than dosa batter).
- Heat a non-stick griddle or tawa on medium heat until hot.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot griddle and spread it in circular motions to form a thin crepe.
- Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the surface appears dry.
- Drizzle ghee around the edges and on top, then flip and cook uncovered until golden brown spots appear.
- Serve hot with peanut chutney or homemade butter.
- Calories:120 kcal25%
- Energy:502 kJ22%
- Protein:3 g28%
- Carbohydrates:18 mg40%
- Sugar:0.5 mg8%
- Salt:150 g25%
- Fat:4 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Kasuri Methi Rice Crepes Recipe – Easy Indian Gluten-Free Snack
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful snack that doesn’t involve a ton of fuss. These Kasuri Methi Rice Crepes are exactly that. I first stumbled upon a version of this at a local street food stall years ago, and I’ve been tweaking the recipe ever since to get it just right. They’re wonderfully crispy, subtly fragrant, and seriously addictive – plus, they’re naturally gluten-free! Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your average crepes. The kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) give them a unique, almost nutty aroma and a lovely depth of flavor. They’re super easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients, and come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick evening snack, a light breakfast, or even a party appetizer!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious crepes:
- 2 tablespoons Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
- 1 cup Rice Flour
- 7-8 Garlic cloves
- Salt to taste
- Ghee (for cooking)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients – a few little things can make a big difference!
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Quality and Aroma
Kasuri methi is the star of the show here. Look for leaves that are vibrant green and have a strong, fresh aroma. If they smell dull or musty, they’re probably old and won’t give you the best flavor.
Rice Flour: Type and Texture
I prefer using fine rice flour for this recipe. It creates a smoother batter and results in more delicate crepes. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online. (Approximately 120g)
Garlic: Freshness and Flavor
Fresh garlic is always best! The more fragrant the cloves, the more flavorful your crepes will be. Don’t be shy with it – I love a good garlic kick!
Ghee: Clarified Butter – Regional Variations & Substitutes
Ghee adds a beautiful richness and nutty flavor. It’s traditional in Indian cooking, and honestly, it just makes everything better. But if you don’t have ghee, you can substitute with vegetable oil or melted butter. Different regions in India use different oils too – some prefer mustard oil for a more pungent flavor.
Salt: Balancing the Flavors
Salt is crucial for balancing the flavors. Start with a pinch and adjust to your liking.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business!
- First, let’s get that kasuri methi fragrant. Dry roast the kasuri methi in a dry pan over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This usually takes just a minute or two. Be careful not to burn it! Once cooled, gently crush it between your palms to release its aroma.
- In a bowl, combine the roasted kasuri methi, rice flour, finely diced garlic, and salt.
- Now, the key to perfect crepes: the batter. Gradually add water, mixing as you go, until you achieve a thin, flowing batter – thinner than dosa batter. Don’t add all the water at once; you can always add more if needed.
- Heat a non-stick griddle or tawa on medium flame. It’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot griddle, spreading it in a circular motion to form a thin crepe.
- Cover the crepe and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the surface looks dry.
- Drizzle a teaspoon of ghee over the top, flip the crepe, and cook uncovered for another minute or so, until golden brown spots appear.
- Serve hot with your favorite chutney or a dollop of homemade butter.
Expert Tips
Want to take your Kasuri Methi Rice Crepes to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:
Achieving the Right Batter Consistency
The batter should be thin enough to spread easily but not so thin that it tears. Think of it like a thin pancake batter.
Preventing Crepes from Sticking
A well-seasoned non-stick griddle is your best friend here. Make sure it’s hot enough before you start cooking, and don’t be afraid to add a little extra ghee if needed.
Perfecting the Golden Spots
Those golden spots are where the magic happens! They indicate that the crepe is cooked through and beautifully crispy.
Roasting Kasuri Methi for Maximum Flavor
Don’t skip the roasting step! It really intensifies the flavor of the kasuri methi.
Variations
This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:
Vegan Adaptation
Simply substitute the ghee with your favorite vegetable oil. Coconut oil works particularly well for a subtle sweetness.
Gluten-Free Confirmation
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free rice flour.
Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Green Chilies)
If you like a little heat, finely chop a green chili and add it to the batter. My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of red chili powder too!
Festival Adaptation (Janmashtami/Diwali Snack)
These crepes are a popular snack during festivals like Janmashtami and Diwali. You can serve them with a variety of sweet and savory chutneys.
Serving Suggestions
These crepes are delicious on their own, but they really shine when paired with:
- Peanut Chutney (my personal favorite!)
- Coconut Chutney
- Mint-Coriander Chutney
- Homemade Butter
- A dollop of yogurt
Storage Instructions
Leftover crepes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them on a griddle or in a pan with a little ghee until crispy. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What is Kasuri Methi and where can I find it?
Kasuri methi is dried fenugreek leaves, commonly used in Indian cuisine. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.
Can I use a different flour instead of rice flour?
While rice flour gives the best texture, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours like sorghum flour or millet flour. The texture might be slightly different.
How do I know if the griddle is hot enough?
A simple test: sprinkle a few drops of water onto the griddle. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a little water to thin it out before using.
What other chutneys pair well with these crepes?
So many! Tomato chutney, garlic chutney, and even a sweet tamarind chutney would be delicious.
Is ghee essential for the flavor, or can I use oil?
Ghee adds a unique richness, but oil works perfectly fine if you prefer.
Enjoy making these Kasuri Methi Rice Crepes! I hope they become a favorite in your kitchen, just like they are in mine. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!