Paapri Chaat Recipe
Chickpea Chaat
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Spice Level: Medium
Dietary Information: Vegetarian
Description
Paapri Chaat is a beloved Indian street food made with crispy fried dough wafers known as “paapri,” topped with tangy chutneys, yogurt, and spices. This version focuses on creating the perfect crispy base, ready to be assembled into a refreshing and flavorful chaat, perfect for gatherings or a delightful snack. The ajwain seeds in the dough add a lovely, aromatic hint that complements the other spices in the dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain flour | 200g |
| Oil (for dough) | 40g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ajwain seeds | 1 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | Enough to deep fry |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, ajwain seeds, and salt. Slowly add the 40g of oil and begin kneading the mixture with your hands. Keep kneading until the dough becomes smooth and slightly firm. |
| 2 | Shape the dough: Pinch off small balls of dough, approximately the size of a gooseberry (about 3 cm in diameter). Roll each dough ball into a flat circle, around 4-5 cm in diameter, ensuring they are thin enough to crisp up when fried. |
| 3 | Heat the oil: In a large, deep frying pan or wok, pour enough vegetable oil to deep fry the dough. Heat the oil over medium heat. To test the temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it floats to the surface and sizzles, the oil is ready. |
| 4 | Fry the dough: Gently slide one circle of dough into the hot oil. Fry it for about 2-3 minutes, using a spoon to gently push the dough under the oil. Flip it over carefully and cook for another minute, until both sides are golden and crisp. |
| 5 | Drain the paapri: Once fried, remove the paapri from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining dough circles. |
| 6 | Serve: Once all the paapris are fried and cooled, they are ready to be topped with your favorite chaat ingredients such as boiled chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, and spices for a flavorful paapri chaat. |
Tips
- Ensure the dough is rolled thin for crispier results.
- Fry the dough in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature.
- You can store the fried paapri in an airtight container for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead option for quick chaat assemblies.
This crispy base is the perfect foundation for a delightful Paapri Chaat, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite!
