The recipe I propose today was made during one of my social media live sessions! It’s so quick to prepare that you might just find yourself making it a thousand more times! These are delicious crackers whose dough is worked entirely in a bowl with a wooden spoon, without the hassle of getting your hands dirty. It is then transferred directly onto a tray and rolled out on two sheets of parchment paper. Nothing could be more practical! But there’s more! These crackers are made with oily seeds, naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6, essential fats that help reduce levels of bad cholesterol and protect us from arteriosclerosis. Plus, they are delicious and give the dough, once baked, a truly unique toasted flavor! Moreover, the cornmeal chosen specifically to harmonize with them will give these crackers a perfect crispness that stands the test of time! Finally, for a touch of flavor, I’ve added an extra aromatic note with fresh thyme and added sea salt flakes on top before baking them. A fantastic combination, so much so that today my husband, a bit curious, stole one to taste it and left, only to return to the scene of the crime a few moments later to shamelessly grab more in front of my eyes! Indeed, these crackers are addictive, but be careful, while seeds are a healthy ingredient for our body, we can’t say the same for our figure! So please, enjoy them, but in moderation! You can take them with you to the office as a snack or as a healthy snack to munch on in the mid-afternoon. Added to the table next to the bread basket or to enrich it further, they will be the ultimate treat! In short, try them, because I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them at first bite!
Other baked goods to enrich your bread basket at the table:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 15/18 crackers
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Type 2 flour
- 3/4 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flaxseed, black and white sesame)
- 1/2 cup water (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup fine cornmeal
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 2 sprigs thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
Steps:
In a large bowl, sift the Type 2 flour, then add the rolled oats and mix (fig. 1).
Flavor by stripping the thyme leaves (fig. 2).
Add the mixed oily seeds and continue to mix with a wooden spoon (fig. 3).
Gradually add the water while continuing to mix (fig. 4).
Incorporate the olive oil (fig. 5).
Finally, add the cornmeal. Mix until all ingredients are combined. If the dough is still too soft, add more cornmeal little by little (fig. 6).
Without getting your hands dirty, gather and compact the dough using a spatula or a wooden spoon (fig. 7).
Transfer the dough directly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with another sheet of parchment paper and start rolling out the dough with a rolling pin (fig. 8).
Create a thin rectangular sheet about 1/16 inch thick, then use a smooth-edged wheel to trim the edges to make it uniform (fig. 9).
Cut your crackers by making three horizontal and two vertical cuts with the smooth-edged wheel, or as you prefer (fig. 10).
Salt the entire surface and bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes (fig. 11).
They should only be lightly golden. Proceed by repeating the same operation with the remaining dough scraps. Turn off the oven and let them cool slightly (fig. 12).
And voilà…your seed and thyme crackers are ready to be enjoyed!
Bon Appétit from La Cucina di FeFè!
Tips, Notes, Variations, and Suggestions
▪ The thickness can vary according to taste. It is important to know that the thicker the sheet, the longer the cooking time, and the more the final crispy texture will give way to a softer one.
Sommelier Francesco Spada’s Suggestions
▪ If you intend to enjoy these excellent crackers as an appetizer, you could accompany them with a good prosecco or a Gewürztraminer, aromatic and fruity, or even a Riesling, if you prefer more minerality. But if you want to enhance the healthful aspect of these snacks, you might opt for a red wine, which, due to its high resveratrol content, enhances the protective and antioxidant effect of the seeds. A good Lambrusco is excellent for the cause, light and fun with its bubbles, and certainly perfect if you want to accompany these crackers with cold cuts and cheeses.
▪ If you intend to enjoy these excellent crackers as an appetizer, you could accompany them with a good prosecco or a Gewürztraminer, aromatic and fruity, or even a Riesling, if you prefer more minerality. But if you want to enhance the healthful aspect of these snacks, you might opt for a red wine, which, due to its high resveratrol content, enhances the protective and antioxidant effect of the seeds. A good Lambrusco is excellent for the cause, light and fun with its bubbles, and certainly perfect if you want to accompany these crackers with cold cuts and cheeses.
Storage
▶ You can store the crackers in an airtight container for about 10 days.
