Salted crackers with poppy seeds and sesame

Sesame and poppy seed crackers - A crunchy and flavorful delight for chilly days

When autumn arrives and the cold sets in, there's nothing more comforting than a warm, crunchy snack. Sesame and poppy seed crackers are perfect for warming your soul and delighting your taste buds. These delicious appetizers are ideal to be served alongside a cup of hot tea or a glass of mulled wine. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step, providing useful tips and tricks to achieve the most tender and tasty crackers.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 30 crackers

Necessary ingredients:

- 250 g margarine (make sure it is at room temperature, left to soften for about 1 hour before use)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 eggs (preferably fresh)
- 100 ml milk (sweet or sour milk can be used, depending on preference)
- 700 g flour (choose a good quality flour for optimal results)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 2 teaspoons of vinegar (apple cider or white wine vinegar works best)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)
- Poppy seeds (for decoration)

Step by step for perfect crackers:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour and diced margarine. Use your fingers to mix until you achieve a sandy texture. It is essential that the margarine is soft, to incorporate evenly into the flour. This step will ensure the crackers are tender.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Add the salt, eggs, milk, and baking powder activated with vinegar. The vinegar will help activate the baking powder, giving the crackers a fluffy texture. Mix everything with a spatula or with your hands until the dough begins to form.

3. Kneading the dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Do not knead too much, as this may develop gluten too much and make the crackers tough.

4. Resting the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the margarine to harden again, making the dough easier to roll out.

5. Shaping the crackers:
On the work surface, sprinkle flour and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into desired shapes. I chose to make fish shapes, but you can choose any shape that inspires you.

6. Preparing for baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Place the cut crackers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a brush to coat them with water or egg yolk, depending on preference. Sprinkle sesame and poppy seeds on top for an attractive appearance and delicious aroma.

7. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the crackers for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden and crunchy. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can dry out.

8. Serving:
Let the crackers cool slightly on a cooling rack, then enjoy them warm or cold. They are excellent alongside a cup of hot tea or even as appetizers for a party.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with various spices added to the dough, such as paprika or cumin, to add an interesting flavor. Additionally, replacing some of the flour with whole wheat flour can add extra fiber.

- Serving: These crackers pair wonderfully with cream cheese or a flavorful hummus. Also, a garlic yogurt sauce would go perfectly alongside.

- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the crackers in an airtight container. They will retain their crunch for several days.

Nutritional benefits:
Sesame and poppy seed crackers are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron, and antioxidants. They also contain unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be an excellent alternative and will give a richer flavor to the crackers.

2. What can I do if the dough is too soft?
Add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

3. Can I freeze the crackers?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to bake them, just bake them directly from the freezer, but add a few minutes to the baking time.

I hope this recipe will delight you and bring joy on chilly autumn days. Enjoy every bite of these sesame and poppy seed crackers and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!

 Ingredients: 250 g margarine in a package, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 eggs, 100 ml milk (sweet or sour), 700 g flour, 1 baking powder, 2 teaspoons vinegar, sesame, poppy seeds

 Tags:  savory pastries mac susan