Papdi chaat is one of the most loved Indian snacks. We load the crackers with yogurt, boiled potatoes or sprouts and add some dips to it. This Indian street food is our version of nachos. However, eating too much papdi or cracker is not very healthy. Generally, papdi or it is a thin plain flour biscuit which is deep fried. However, swapping this flour makes a big difference. This unique recipe is made out of kuttu or buckwheat flour.
Although it is still fried, it is more nutritious. Also, it is gluten-free. Usually, we eat a gluten-free meal or fal ahaar once a day during fasting. Hence,the name vrat wali falhari dahi papdi chaat.
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Fasting and Hinduism
Indians do a lot of intermittent fasting. Some fast once a week while others on special days. Usually, we fast on ekadashi(11 th day of the month) or Poornima (Full moon night).There are many who do it once in 6 months. One such fast is that of Navratri. It is a 9 day fasting. We celebrate it twice an year.(Mar-Apr) in spring and (Sep-Oct) in Autumn. Some people also fast on an yearly basis like each Monday in rainy season or Saavan.
Usual diet during fasting
Most people eat one meal a day. Usually we eat at sunset.
Generally, we eat only gluten-free flours, root vegetables, dairy and fruits.
We can consume only certain spices. Ginger, dried mango powder, green chili and black pepper are allowed.
We use rock salt instead of sea salt.
Equipment
- Rolling pin and board/ baking sheet
- Cookie cutter
- Frying pan
- Food processor
- Fork
- Steamer / pressure cooker
- Masher
Ingredients
For papdi:
- buckwheat flour
- tapioca starch or powdered sabudana
- sendha namak/rock salt
- Water for kneading
- Oil for frying
For serving:
- boiled potato
- plain yogurt
- date chutney
- mint chutney
- Handful pomegranate seeds
Instructions
For papdi
- In a bowl, add buckwheat flour, tapioca starch, salt and some water.
- Knead it into a smooth dough.
- Roll it into thin crackers or papdi using a baking sheet.
- Cut into desired shapes and prick with a fork. Pricking ensures it doesn't puff up like a poori.
- Fry it until crisp on low heat(important).
For serving
- Break the crackers into multiple pieces and add it to a plate.
- Add toppings of potatoes, yogurt, mint chutney.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
- You may optionally add fried shredded potatoes on it.
- Serve it fresh.
Substitutions
If you are not fasting, you can make the crackers from plain flour or maida.
Variation
Some people also like to add pinch of baking soda while making crackers so that it is not very hard to eat.
Storage
Store the crackers in an air tight container once it cools. It stays for a week.
Store the chutneys and boiled potato separately. They last for 3-5 days.
Related falhari recipes
Falhari dahi papdi chaat
Ingredients
For papdi:
- 1 cup buckwheat flour
- ¼ cup tapioca starch or powdered sabudana
- 1 tablespoon sendha namak/rock salt
- Water for kneading
- Oil for frying
For serving:
- 1 large boiled potato
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoon date chutney
- 2 tablespoon mint chutney
- Handful pomegranate seeds
Instructions
For papdi
- In a bowl,add buckwheat flour,tapioca starch,salt and some water.
- Knead it into a smooth dough.
- Roll it into thin poppadums or papdi using a baking sheet.
- Cut into desired shapes and prick with a fork.Pricking ensures it doesnt puff up like a poori.
- Fry it until crisp on low heat(important).
For serving
- Break the papdi into multiple pieces and add it to a plate.
- Add toppings of potatoes, yogurt, mint and dates chutney.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
- You may optionally add fried shredded potatoes on it.
- Serve it fresh.
FAQ
Milk and milk products, fruits, root vegetables and certain spices.
Please share your inputs..