Papri Chaat Recipe

How to make Papri Chaat Recipe:

Papri Chaat is a popular North Indian street food that combines crunchy papris (crispy fried dough wafers) with potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and a variety of chutneys, creating a perfect balance of flavors—spicy, tangy, and sweet. Here's how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

For Papris (crisp fried dough):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp semolina (sooji)
• 1/4 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil for frying

For the Chaat:

• 2 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas (or canned chickpeas, drained)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (preferably thick, chilled)
• 2-3 tbsp tamarind chutney (sweet chutney)
• 2-3 tbsp green chutney (made with mint, coriander, green chilies)
• 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp black salt (kala namak)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)
• Sev (crispy chickpea noodles) for garnish
• Pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Papris (Crispy Wafers)

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, carom seeds, baking soda, cumin powder, and salt.
2. Add the ghee (or oil) to the dry ingredients and mix well to incorporate. It should resemble a crumbly texture.
3. Slowly add water little by little and knead into a smooth, firm dough.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
5. Once rested, divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin, even disc (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the discs in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan while frying.
7. Remove from oil and drain excess oil on paper towels. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Chaat

1. Potatoes: Peel and mash the boiled potatoes. Add a pinch of salt and roasted cumin powder to them for extra flavor.
2. Chickpeas: If you're using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them. If using fresh ones, boil them until tender.
3. Chutneys: Prepare or use store-bought tamarind chutney and green chutney.
4. Yogurt: Whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of black salt, roasted cumin powder, and regular salt to the yogurt for seasoning.

Step 3: Assemble the Papri Chaat

1. Take a serving plate and arrange the crispy papris in a single layer at the base.
2. Add a spoonful of mashed potatoes and chickpeas over the papris.
3. Drizzle the green chutney and tamarind chutney generously over the top.
4. Pour the seasoned yogurt over the papris and potatoes.
5. Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, black salt, and salt as per your taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves, sev, and pomegranate seeds (if using).
7. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crunchy, and tangy flavors of the papri chaat.

Tips:

• To make the papris crispier, ensure that the dough is rolled out thin enough before frying.
• You can add some boiled and chopped onions or tomatoes to the chaat for extra crunch and flavor.
• For a healthier version, you can bake the papris in the oven instead of deep frying them.

Enjoy this delicious and refreshing Papri Chaat as a snack or appetizer!