Can you imagine soup and khapli wheat in the same line? What if you add a crunchy, golden brown stick to the side? Yes, this is about soup sticks, the classic, crispy side served with different types of soup. Depending on the ingredients used, they can range from being a light golden brown to white with black flecks, and even yellowish ones. Whatever the colour, they are almost always with a side of crunch, even when you make them with khapli.
Much like the biscuit with chai, soup sticks with soup, especially tomato soup, is a classic combination. Also called breadsticks or grissini, these are usually made from a dough of maida, yeast, sugar, and salt. The trick is to bake these at high temperatures until crisp and crunchy. Commonly flavoured with herbs and seasoning like garlic powder, dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning, though Indian versions include ajwain, roasted cumin, or ginger. Whatever the spice on top, the dough forms the base. And the dough can be made from khaki atta as well. Read ahead to know why the sticks make for an effective pairing to soup, how to make it with khapli atta, and why these are a surprisingly effective activity to try with kids.
Soup sticks are served with soup to provide a satisfying textural contrast and add bulk to light broths. Not only do they help mop up liquids, but if you pair these with melted butter or olive oil, the starter meal becomes a little more filling.
Serving these is as much a culinary choice as a tradition. Here’s why these make for an excellent side to soups:
Textural Contrast: Crispy, crunchy breadsticks balance out the smooth, soft texture of creamy soups or purees.
Added Bulk: Dipping carbohydrate-rich bread into a thin or light broth adds substance, making the starter more satiating and filling.
Flavour Pairing: Soup sticks (often seasoned with garlic, herbs, or sesame) complement the flavour of the soup. They are also perfect for absorbing excess salt and rich flavours.
Practical Utensil: Instead of letting drips fall, they are traditionally used to wipe the bottom and sides of the soup bowl clean
If you’re working with children in the kitchen, you need simple recipes that can double up as a fun activity. Soup sticks made with khapli atta fit the bill and how. The recipe is tactile, playful, and relatively forgiving, which means there’s room for mistakes.
Kids can help mix the dough, roll it out, cut strips, twist the sticks into spirals, brush butter or olive oil on top, and sprinkle toppings like sesame seeds. Unlike delicate pastries or breads that require precise shaping, soup sticks are intentionally rustic, which makes them less intimidating for children and more interactive as a hands-on kitchen activity.
Like anything made with khapli atta, soup sticks made with this flour also offer a distinctly earthy, nutty, and slightly rustic flavour. The whole-grain, slightly roasted taste pairs better with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic.
Ingredients
¼ cup grated parmesan or processed cheese (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder or finely grated garlic
½ tsp mixed herbs or oregano
¼ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
3–5 tbsp cold water, as needed
Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Recipe
Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup Aashirvaad Chakki Khapli Atta, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and chilli flakes. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add water gradually: Add cold water one tablespoon at a time and bring everything together into a firm dough. The dough should feel smooth but not sticky.
Rest the dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 15–20 minutes so the khapli atta hydrates properly.
Roll and cut: Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Cut thin strips using a knife or pizza cutter. Twist them lightly if you want spiral soup sticks.
Add toppings: Brush lightly with olive oil or butter and sprinkle sesame seeds, zaatar, or extra herbs on top.
Bake: Place the sticks on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 180°C for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Cool before serving: Allow the soup sticks to cool completely for maximum crispness. Serve alongside soups, dips, or cheese boards.
Homemade khapli soup sticks aren’t tricky; it’s exactly why making them makes for a kid-friendly activity. However, the following tips can ensure the best results, especially when working with kids:
Pre-cut portions of dough: Smaller portions are easier for children to roll and shape without frustration. It also allows you to control the process and limit the do-overs.
Expect imperfect shapes: Twists, uneven lengths, and rustic edges are part of the charm when cooking with kids. Don’t aim for perfection or aesthetic fit; focus, instead, on the right cooking time (and lots of fun). If your children are more used to baking or working in the kitchen, you can even try twisting, braiding, or shaping the dough into letters or spirals. This makes the activity more playful and interactive
Let children handle toppings: Sprinkling herbs, sesame seeds, or cheese is safer and more engaging than tasks involving knives or hot trays. It is also more engaging. Allow children to experiment slightly with flavours – taste the herb mixes or cheese before adding.
Use blunt cutters where possible: Pizza cutters with supervision or child-safe dough cutters work better than sharp knives. If you don’t have blunt cutters, keep the cutting to adults only.
Keep flour nearby for sticky hands: Since children tend to press the dough repeatedly, a little extra flour helps prevent sticking. Ideally, work in an area with ample space to move around.
Monitor baking closely: Thin soup sticks can brown quickly, so adult supervision near the oven is important. Don’t let children handle hot trays or take out baked sticks.
At times, you try new dishes with khapli not just for the difference in taste or texture but also because it can be a simple way to enjoy some DIY fun with children. With summer vacations, children have more time on hand, and keeping them engaged can be challenging. Simple activities like these not only educate, but also entertain!
Yes. Khapli atta gives soup sticks a nuttier, more rustic flavour and works especially well with herbs, sesame seeds, garlic, and cheese.