Lenten crackers
The first time I made these savory snacks in the waffle maker was one evening when I didn't feel like turning on the oven. I had margarine in the fridge, the rest of the ingredients were already at hand, and in half an hour, I had a whole platter of warm snacks. They are quick to make, don’t create much mess, and turn out exactly as crispy as you want. If you have a waffle maker and like to cook something quick for fasting, it's worth trying.
Quick Info
Total Time: 35-40 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 6-7 people (approximately 40 small pieces)
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
500 g white flour
125 g margarine (half a package)
20 ml oil (sunflower)
200 ml warm water
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1-2 teaspoons cumin (whole or crushed seeds, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Preparation Method
1. Put the margarine in a bowl and heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, just until it’s soft, not hot. You should be able to knead it by hand.
2. Add the flour over the margarine. Pour in the oil and salt.
3. Gradually add the warm water. Mix initially with a spoon, then knead by hand until you get a uniform and elastic dough, soft but not sticky. If you need a little more water, add it teaspoon by teaspoon.
4. Add the cumin and chili flakes to the dough. Knead gently for another minute to evenly distribute the flavors.
5. Heat the waffle maker to maximum temperature. There’s no need to grease it if it has non-stick plates.
6. Break off small pieces of dough (about the size of a walnut or smaller, depending on how thick you want them). Roll them between your palms to form sticks about 7-8 cm long.
7. Place 2-3 sticks in the center of each waffle plate, leaving space between them (they will spread a little). Close the machine and press down firmly.
8. Let them bake for 2-4 minutes, depending on the power of the machine. They are ready when they have a golden crust and a crispy texture.
9. Remove the snacks onto a platter or a rack so they don’t get soggy from steam.
10. Continue until you finish the dough. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
Why I make this recipe often
It’s one of the quickest savory snacks I can make without eggs and yeast. They fit any time, keep well for 2-3 days, and I don’t have to heat the oven. I can make small or double batches as needed.
Tips
If the dough is too hard, add very little warm water so it doesn’t crumble while shaping.
If you want them to be crispier, leave them in the machine a little longer.
Don’t open the machine too early, or they will break.
Don’t make the pieces too thick, so they cook well on the inside.
Substitutions
Margarine can be replaced with vegetable butter if you’re not strictly fasting, but classic margarine gives the typical crispy texture.
White flour can be partially replaced (up to 1/3) with whole flour, resulting in slightly denser snacks.
Cumin can be swapped with sesame or poppy seeds if you prefer a different flavor.
Variations
You can add dried herbs (oregano, basil) for extra flavor.
Instead of chili flakes, you can use pepper or sweet paprika for a milder taste.
If you like your snacks saltier, sprinkle coarse salt on top before baking.
Serving Ideas
They are good on their own, but also work as a base alongside hummus, vegetable spreads, or other dips.
You can pack them in a container for a snack on the go.
They are a great snack with tea, soups, or cold salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can they be made in a sandwich press?
Yes, they can also be made in a sandwich press, but the shapes will be different and they may be a bit flatter. Adjust the baking time.
Can they be frozen?
The raw dough can be kept in the freezer for 1-2 weeks, portioned. Thaw in the fridge, then cook normally. Baked snacks will lose their crispy texture after freezing.
Can I use oil instead of margarine?
I do not recommend using only oil; the texture will not be as flaky and crispy. You can partially substitute, but you still need solid fat for structure.
Can they be made without a waffle maker?
Yes, they can also be baked in a non-stick pan (low heat, pressed slightly with a spatula) or in the oven (180°C, on baking paper, for 15-20 minutes), but they come out crispier and less 'waffled'.
Nutritional Values
One snack (approx. 12 g): ~50 kcal, 6 g carbohydrates, 2 g fat, 1 g protein.
One serving (5-6 pieces): approximately 250-300 kcal.
The fiber and salt content depends on the spices used. The recipe contains no sugar and does not include eggs or dairy.
Storage and Reheating
After cooling, store in a well-sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they get soft, you can reheat them for 2 minutes in the waffle maker or a few minutes in the oven at 180°C. Do not store in the fridge, as they will get soft quickly. They are best consumed within the first 24-36 hours while fresh and crispy.
Margarine is melted slightly in the microwave, just enough to be kneaded. We add flour, oil, and warm water, mixing until we obtain an elastic dough. We add spices to taste. We break off pieces of dough, place them in the waffle maker (in the center of the plate), close the plates, let the waffles fry, then we take them out onto a platter and serve. They are really good... :)) Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: about 500 g flour, 1/2 package margarine, about 20 ml oil, 200 ml lukewarm water, cumin, salt, chili flakes to taste
