Spicy & Tangy Pakodi Chaat Recipe
Pakodi Chaat is a delightful North Indian snack that brings together the crunch of golden fritters, the richness of spiced peas, and the refreshing flavors of tangy chutneys and yogurt. Whether served as a stand-alone snack or as part of a larger chaat spread, this recipe promises to add a burst of flavor to your day. Easy to make, yet full of bold and vibrant tastes, Pakodi Chaat is perfect for serving at your next chaat party or enjoying with a warm cup of Masala Chai on a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried Yellow/White Peas (Vatana) | 1 cup (soaked for 4 hours) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Onion (Chopped) | 1 |
| Baking Soda | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Roasted Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sweet Chutney (Date & Tamarind) | 1 tablespoon |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 3 tablespoons |
| Green Chilli (Chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil (for frying) | As needed |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | As required |
| Onion (Chopped, for serving) | 1 |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali, roasted or fried) | 2 tablespoons |
| Curry Leaves | As required |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
2
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Snack
Diet:
Gluten-Free
Instructions:
-
Prepare the White Peas:
- Begin by soaking the dried yellow or white peas (Vatana) for about 4 hours.
- Once soaked, add turmeric powder and salt to the peas and pressure cook them until soft, approximately 3 whistles. Once cooked, mash the peas using the back of a spatula, leaving some texture for a more satisfying bite.
- To the mashed peas, add black pepper powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and cook the mixture with 1/4 cup of water for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors together.
-
Fry the Pakodis:
- While the peas are cooking, prepare the batter for the pakodis. In a bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), salt, chopped onion, curry leaves, and baking soda. Add 4-5 tablespoons of water to form a thick batter.
- Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan for frying. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, forming small fritters (pakodis). Lower the heat to medium and deep fry the pakodis until golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Remove them from the oil and set aside to drain on paper towels.
-
Prepare the Yogurt:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the curd (yogurt) until smooth. Add the powdered sugar to the yogurt and mix well. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
-
Assemble the Pakodi Chaat:
- Take two plates and spread a layer of the spiced mashed peas on each plate.
- Add a generous amount of pakodis over the peas.
- Top with a dollop of sweetened yogurt, then drizzle both the green chutney (coriander & mint) and sweet chutney (date & tamarind) on top. Adjust the amount of chutneys according to your taste for tanginess and sweetness.
- Garnish with black salt (Kala Namak), chopped onions, roasted peanuts, and a few curry leaves for extra crunch and flavor.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Pakodi Chaat immediately, either on its own or paired with a hot cup of Masala Chai for the perfect evening snack. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside other chaat favorites like Homemade Canape Papdi Chaat and Moong Sprouts Usal to elevate your next chaat party.
Tips:
- The key to great Pakodi Chaat is balancing the spices and chutneys. Feel free to adjust the quantities of chutneys and spices according to your taste.
- For extra crunch, use freshly roasted or fried peanuts, and top with curry leaves for added fragrance and texture.
- Pakodi Chaat can be made in advance by preparing the spiced peas and yogurt mixture, but it’s best served fresh for the ultimate crunchiness in the pakodis.
Enjoy this flavorful and tangy snack, a true representation of North Indian street food at its best! The combination of crispy pakodis, spiced peas, and refreshing chutneys will surely tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
