This Bhalla Papdi Chaat is my go-to chaat recipe that goes perfectly with a warm cup of chai.
Dahi Bhalla is a popular North Indian street food that consists of deep-fried lentil fritters served with yogurt. It is known by different names such as Dahi bara in Orissa, Dahi vada in the South, Dahi Bhalla in Punjabi, and dahi baray in Marathi. Despite its various names, this recipe is easy to make, requires a short list of ingredients, and can be prepared quickly. Chaat dishes are known for being incredibly tasty, often described as ‘finger-licking delicious. The cool beaten curd provides a creamy contrast, while the fine sev adds a refreshing crunch. Chutneys give a sweet and tangy kick, and the spices add a variety of flavors to make each bite irresistible.
Incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy days Bursting with flavor Addictively delicious and vibrantly textured elements that will leave your taste buds craving for more A completely customizable dish Can be easily adapted to suit a vegan diet, making it inclusive for all dietary preferences!
Moreover, it’s also a partially make-ahead recipe, allowing for some preparation in advance. Once all the elements are ready, this recipe takes no time to prepare as it is just assembling the different ingredients. Trust me, there is no right or wrong way of making this Chaat, which makes it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and events.
Bhalla — Made with a blend of 2 different lentils – urad dal (split black gram without skin) and moong dal (split yellow lentils), these crispy deep-fried lentil fritters is the base ingredient for this recipe. Curd — Use whipped plain yogurt with a pinch of salt for this recipe. It balances out the spice flavor while adding creaminess and a slight tanginess. Spice Mix — A blend of red chili powder, roasted cumin seeds, and chaat masala lends a unique flavor to the recipe and enhances its overall taste with a medley of flavors that it hosts (like spicy, tangy, and slightly salty). Pomegranate arils — A few pomegranate arils are sprinkled over the dish for a pop of color and fun.
Gluten-free version possible — For a gluten-free version of this mouth-watering snack, swap the papdis with gluten-free papdi made with singhara (chestnut) flour and sabudana (tapioca) flour. Use canned chickpeas — To save time on soaking and boiling, you can use canned chickpeas. Drain the aquafaba (the brine water preserved chickpeas) and use the chickpeas as mentioned in the recipe. The vegan version is equally delicious — For a vegan Dahi Bhalla Chaat recipe, replace the curd/ yogurt with any plant-based yogurt. Beat it to make it smooth, as mentioned in the recipe. Season it well, and it is all set to be used in the chaat. Handy hacks — You can make chutneys at home from scratch or use store-bought tamarind chutney and cilantro chutney for a quick whip. They work well, too. However, taste them before adding them because they need to be adjusted to your liking. Fixing the sourness in yogurt — If your yogurt tastes sour, add a tablespoon of sugar to sweeten the yogurt and whisk until completely dissolved. Yogurt drizzled on top of the bhalla papdi chaat should have a thin, batter-like consistency, making the recipe drool-worthy. An adaptable recipe — This recipe for dahi bhalla Chaat is very versatile. Feel free to add or remove any ingredients you like! The sky is the limit when it comes to filling; you can fill this katoris with whatever your heart desires and dig into your tasty creations! There is no fixed list of components for the stuffing, and you can add whatever is available at hand or can be prepared quickly. However, for extra flavor and nutrition, you can also add boiled potatoes, sprouts, and Kala chana. Boondis and some chopped tomatoes added to the chaat make a quick, light, and healthy appetizer. Just assemble and serve — This bhalla papdi dahi chaat entices chaat lovers with its incredible mix of flavors and myriad textures, but besides this, it charms with the way it is assembled in front of the guests. When prepared correctly, it could be a speedy and easy dish to assemble and serve to your guests. Just follow the instructions below and enjoy the process of creating these exciting bowls of happiness! And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.
