Raj Kachori Recipe
Raj Kachori is a mouthwatering, spicy, and absolutely delightful North Indian snack that combines a variety of flavors in every bite. The term “Raj” translates to royal, and “Kachori” refers to a big puri stuffed with a medley of delicious ingredients, making it a perfect dish to serve at any festive occasion or casual gathering. Its richness and delightful blend of chutneys, spices, and fillings make it a one-of-a-kind treat that will surely impress your guests. This recipe combines potatoes, kala chana, moong dal, and a host of tantalizing seasonings, all packed inside a crunchy puri, topped with curd, sweet and tangy chutneys, and garnished with crispy sev. A single Raj Kachori will fill you up for hours, making it an excellent option for a filling snack or appetizer.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Whole wheat flour | 2 cups |
| Green moong dal (whole) | 1 cup |
| Sooji (semolina/rava) | 1 cup |
| Kala chana (brown chickpeas) | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (aloo), boiled | 2 |
| Coriander (dhania) leaves | 2 sprigs, finely chopped (to taste) |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (dahi/yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Papdi puris | 6 |
| Chaat masala powder | To taste |
| Green chutney (coriander & mint) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sweet chutney (date & tamarind) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sev | As per taste |
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 60 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
To begin the preparation of Raj Kachori, start by combining gram flour (besan), wheat flour, semolina (sooji), and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a semi-soft dough. Once the dough is smooth and pliable, divide it into equal portions based on how large you want the kachoris to be.
Step 2: Shaping the Puris
Take each portion of dough and roll it into a ball. Use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into thick, round puris, using a little whole wheat flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Make sure the puris are of a substantial size to hold all the fillings. The thickness should be enough to ensure a crisp and crunchy texture when fried.
Step 3: Frying the Puris
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to low and carefully slide in the rolled puris. Deep fry them until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even frying. Once the puris are crispy and browned, remove them from the oil and place them on absorbent paper to drain any excess oil. Set them aside to cool.
Step 4: Preparing the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine boiled potatoes, kala chana (brown chickpeas), green moong dal, and salt. Mix the ingredients well and set this filling mixture aside. This combination will form the flavorful core of the Raj Kachori.
Step 5: Assembling the Raj Kachori
When you’re ready to serve, make a small hole in the center of each fried kachori using your finger. Gently open it to form a hollow space for the fillings. Start by adding a generous portion of the moong, kala chana, and potato mixture into the hole. Then, add a small piece of crushed papdi for an extra crunch.
Step 6: Adding Chutneys and Curd
Top the kachori with two chutneys—green chutney (made from coriander and mint) and sweet chutney (prepared from dates and tamarind). These chutneys add both a spicy and sweet flavor that perfectly balances the dish. Next, beat the curd (yogurt) with a pinch of salt and sugar until smooth, and generously pour the curd over the filled kachori.
Step 7: Garnishing and Final Touches
Sprinkle sev (crispy chickpea noodles) over the kachori to add an extra layer of crunch. Garnish with more kala chana, moong, and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Finish by sprinkling chaat masala powder and red chili powder over the top, depending on your spice preference. The burst of flavors will leave everyone craving for more.
Step 8: Serving
Serve the Raj Kachori immediately after assembling for the best experience. This dish is a perfect tea-time snack, and its vibrant flavors make it a great addition to any party or get-together. Pair it with Chatpati Chana Dal or Homemade Canape Papdi Chaat for a truly indulgent treat.
Tips:
- For a crispier Kachori: Ensure the oil temperature is perfect—too hot will burn the puris, while too cold will make them soggy.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the chutneys according to your taste—add more mint for freshness or increase the tamarind for a tangy flavor.
- Vegetarian Variants: You can swap out the moong or kala chana for any other legumes or beans of your choice, like chickpeas or lentils, to suit your dietary preferences.
- Garnish Options: Top with pomegranate seeds or finely diced tomatoes for an additional burst of color and flavor.
Enjoy this delectable Raj Kachori recipe at your next party or gathering, and watch as it becomes the star of the show!
