Bread Dahi Bhale Recipe: Easy Indian Snack

Introduction

Love With Recipes, the premier platform for culinary enthusiasts, presents an authentic and indulgent recipe for Bread Dahi Bhale — a popular Indian snack that combines the comforting texture of bread with the tangy freshness of yogurt, complemented by aromatic spices and a medley of nuts and dried fruits. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, offering a crispy exterior, a soft and flavorful filling, and a cooling, creamy topping that balances heat and sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, a quick snack, or an appetizer to impress guests, Bread Dahi Bhale is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Its rich flavors, nutritional benefits, and simple yet effective preparation make it a must-try for food lovers seeking to explore authentic Indian street food at home.

Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Sharp knife for trimming bread edges
• Cutting board
• Medium-sized wok or deep frying pan
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Plate or wire rack for draining
• Mixing spoons and spatulas
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork for beating yogurt
• Small bowl for preparing the filling
• Serving dish or bowl
• Paper towels for draining excess oil

Tags

Indian Cuisine, Street Food, Vegetarian, Appetizer, Snack, Party Food, Quick Recipe, Comfort Food, Spicy, Crispy, Nutty

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 2 generous servings, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying as a hearty snack. Each serving includes two bread sets topped with creamy yogurt and garnishes, providing a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate — While the steps involve frying and assembling, the process is straightforward with clear instructions. Basic frying skills and familiarity with handling bread slices are advantageous.

Allergen Information

• Contains nuts (cashews)
• Contains dairy (yogurt, milk)
• Contains gluten (bread)
• Potential for cross-contamination depending on ingredients used

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian — No animal products other than dairy are used. Suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets. Can be adapted for vegan diets by substituting yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Course

Appetizer, Snack, Party Food

Cuisine

Indian

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preparing them for the assembly process. Carefully trim the edges of the bread slices using a sharp knife to ensure uniformity and ease of handling during frying. Set aside the trimmed bread pieces for use in assembling the bread sets. Finely chop the ginger, green chili, and cilantro, ensuring they are uniform in size for even distribution and flavor. Coarsely chop the cashews and have raisins ready. Measure out the cumin powder and red chili powder, keeping them within reach for quick addition. Pour the milk into a bowl or shallow dish for dipping the bread slices. Beat the yogurt until smooth and set aside in a chilled bowl. Have your frying oil pre-measured and ready in a wok or deep frying pan, heated to the appropriate temperature — approximately 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve the desired crispy texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cashews, raisins, chopped ginger, green chili, cilantro, and cumin powder. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful filling that will be placed inside the bread sets. This mixture provides a delightful combination of sweetness, spice, and crunch, forming the core of each snack. Adjust the quantity of chili and spices according to your taste preferences, adding more for a spicier bite or less for milder flavor. For enhanced flavor, you may toast the cashews lightly before chopping to bring out their aroma, but this step is optional. Once combined, set this mixture aside as you prepare to assemble the bread slices.

Step 3: Dipping and Assembling

Take each bread slice and dip it gently into the milk, ensuring it is coated evenly but not soaked to the point of falling apart. Remove the dipped bread carefully and gently squeeze out any excess milk to prevent sogginess during frying. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling onto four of the bread slices. Cover each with the remaining four slices, pressing gently to seal the edges if necessary. The goal is to create sandwiches with the filling securely enclosed, ready for frying. Be cautious during this step to prevent the filling from spilling out. Once assembled, squeeze lightly to remove any excess milk from the bread sets, which will help in achieving a crisp exterior.

Step 4: Frying the Bread Sets

Carefully slide each bread set into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Fry in batches if necessary, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for consistent cooking. Fry each set until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve even color. Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial; if it drops too low, the bread may become greasy, and if too high, it may burn before cooking through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bread sets and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Serving the Bread Dahi Bhale

Arrange the fried bread sets on a serving dish or in a bowl. Pour the chilled, beaten yogurt generously over the hot, crispy bread. The yogurt should envelop the snack, providing a cooling contrast to the spicy filling and fried exterior. Lightly sprinkle red chili powder over the yogurt for an added spicy kick, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal note. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the crispy bread, flavorful filling, and smooth, tangy yogurt. This dish pairs beautifully with mint chutney or tamarind sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Preparation Tips

• Ensure the oil is at the correct frying temperature before adding the bread sets; use a thermometer if necessary.
• Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of green chili and chili powder according to your heat tolerance.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute bread with gluten-free bread or toasted bread slices.
• Use fresh, quality ingredients to enhance flavors—fresh cilantro, ripe raisins, and crunchy cashews make a noticeable difference.
• To prevent sogginess, do not oversoak the bread in milk; a quick dip is sufficient.
• Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness, as the bread tends to soften over time when topped with yogurt.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Crust Removal: Removing bread crusts ensures a softer, more uniform bite, but leaving them intact offers extra crunch.
• Filling Variations: Feel free to add grated cheese, chopped onions, or even a dash of chaat masala to customize the flavor profile.
• Healthier Version: Bake the bread instead of frying for a lower-fat option, though it will alter the texture.
• Serving Temperature: Serve immediately after frying and topping with yogurt to maximize crunch and freshness.
• Presentation: Slice the bread sets diagonally for a more elegant presentation.

Add-ons and Variations

• Top with a drizzle of honey or date syrup for added sweetness.
• Include a sprinkle of chaat masala or black salt for enhanced Indian flavors.
• Use flavored or infused yogurts, such as mint or cumin-flavored, for a different twist.
• Serve alongside Indian pickles or chutneys for a more complex flavor experience.

Side Dishes

• Mint chutney or coriander chutney
• Tamarind sauce or sweet chutney
• Spicy Indian pickle (achar)
• Fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions

Improvements and Customizations

• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios for varied textures and flavors.
• Incorporate shredded vegetables such as carrots or beetroot into the filling for added nutrition and color.
• Use flavored or spiced yogurt, such as cumin or mint flavored, to elevate the dish.
• Adjust frying method by baking or air-frying for a healthier alternative.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute traditional bread with gluten-free bread or rice cakes.

Save and Store

Since the crispiness of the bread is best enjoyed fresh, it is recommended to consume immediately after preparation. However, if you have leftovers, store the fried bread sets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, freeze the fried sets in a sealed container or zip-lock bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will render the bread soggy. Yogurt topping should be added just before serving to maintain its freshness and cooling effect.

FAQ

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be prepared a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling.

Is frying necessary, or can I bake the bread sets?

Frying provides the authentic crispy texture characteristic of this dish. Baking or air-frying is a healthier alternative but may alter the traditional texture.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely. Replace yogurt with plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt) and milk with almond or soy milk. Ensure the filling ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

What if I don’t have green chilies?

You can omit the green chilies or substitute with chili flakes or cayenne pepper to adjust spiciness.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

Do not oversoak the bread in milk, and fry at the right temperature. Serve immediately after topping with yogurt for best results.

Conclusion

Crafting Bread Dahi Bhale at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy authentic Indian street food in the comfort of your kitchen. Its harmonious blend of crispy bread, flavorful filling, and cooling yogurt makes it an irresistible snack or appetizer suitable for all occasions. By following the detailed steps, tips, and tricks outlined above, you can master this dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Remember, the key to perfect Bread Dahi Bhale lies in attention to detail, quality ingredients, and serving it at its freshest. Explore variations, customize flavors, and enjoy the process of creating this delightful Indian delicacy, all while celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine — as featured on Love With Recipes!

References

• Indian Street Food Recipes by Rinku Bhattacharya
• The Ultimate Guide to Indian Snacks by Anjali Pathak