Baked Oats and Whole Wheat Kachori Stuffed with Peas
This Baked Oats and Whole Wheat Kachori Stuffed with Peas recipe is a delightful twist on a traditional North Indian snack. While kachoris are typically deep-fried, this healthier version is baked to perfection, giving you the crispy crunch you love without all the extra oil. The outer layer combines the wholesomeness of whole wheat flour and oats, boosting the fiber and protein content of the snack. The spicy, tangy peas stuffing brings out the authentic chatpati flavor, making it a perfect snack for any time of the day. It’s vegetarian, easy to prepare, and filled with the goodness of oats and peas.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Outer Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/2 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | As required, for kneading |
For the Peas Stuffing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) | 1 cup |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 sprig, finely chopped |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8-10 Kachoris
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, instant oats, ajwain, salt, and olive oil. Mix the ingredients well using your fingers and palms until they form a crumbly texture.
- Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead the mixture into a smooth, firm dough. The dough should not be too sticky, but it should be soft and pliable.
- Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
-
-
Prepare the Peas Stuffing:
- While the dough is resting, it’s time to prepare the peas stuffing. In a blender or food processor, grind the green peas, green chili, and coriander leaves into a coarse mixture.
- Transfer the ground mixture to a bowl and add the amchur, chaat masala powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well. Set the stuffing aside.
-
Shape and Stuff the Kachoris:
- After the dough has rested, divide it into small equal-sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly using your fingers to create a small disc.
- Press the edges of the disc with your fingers to make the center a little thicker. Place about 1 tablespoon of the prepared peas stuffing in the center of each disc.
- Gently fold the edges over the stuffing and seal it from all sides to form a round ball. Pinch the edges together and roll it gently into a smooth ball again. Repeat this process for the remaining dough balls and stuffing.
-
Prepare to Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent the kachoris from sticking.
- Place the stuffed kachoris on the tray, ensuring they are spaced about half an inch apart. Brush the top of each kachori with a little more olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
-
Bake the Kachoris:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the kachoris for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- After 20 minutes, check the kachoris. If you like a deeper golden color, you can brush them with a little honey or additional olive oil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Remove the kachoris from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve these crispy and healthy Baked Oats and Whole Wheat Kachori Stuffed with Peas with a cup of Masala Chai or use them as a base for making Raj Kachori, a popular snack often enjoyed with tangy tamarind chutney and yogurt.
Tips and Variations:
- Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as potato, paneer, or even a combination of vegetables.
- Making it Vegan: You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the extra virgin olive oil with any vegetable oil of your choice.
- Adding Seeds: For extra crunch and nutritional value, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or flaxseeds over the top of the kachoris before baking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chili and red chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.
These Baked Oats and Whole Wheat Kachoris are a healthier, oven-baked alternative to the deep-fried version, packed with fiber and protein from oats and whole wheat. The spicy, tangy peas filling adds the perfect burst of flavor to each bite. Enjoy them as a mid-day snack, an appetizer, or even as a light dinner option paired with a refreshing beverage.
