Indian Chinese Style Crispy Rusk

Ingredients

In this Indian Chinese adaptation of the Russian rusk, we incorporate the bold and spicy flavors commonly found in Indian Chinese cuisine. The original Russian rusk is typically plain and not heavily seasoned. However, in this recipe, we infuse the rusks with a blend of Indian and Chinese spices to create a unique flavor profile that is both spicy and aromatic. We alse have the original recipe for Rusk, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) black pepper 1 teaspoon (5g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5g) red chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ginger powder 1 teaspoon (5g) ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon (5g) Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) chili sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar 1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for brushing Vegetable oil, for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, and Chinese five-spice powder.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, and water.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into oval or rectangular rusks.
6. 6.
   Place the rusks on a baking sheet and brush them with vegetable oil.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rusks turn golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Soy sauce — Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty taste.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of spice, sprinkle some red chili flakes on top of the rusks before baking.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of rusks to add visual appeal to your dish.
• Serve the Indian Chinese Style Crispy Rusks with a side of spicy tomato chutney or soy sauce for dipping.
• Store the rusks in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Indian Chinese Style Crispy Rusks as a snack or appetizer. They are perfect for tea-time or as a party snack. Pair them with a hot cup of masala chai for a delightful combination of flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rusks on a serving platter in an attractive pattern. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or sesame seeds for an added touch of visual appeal.