simple, clean recipes with bold flavors
While you'll hear me raving about papri chaat day in day out, it's slightly less famous cousin, Dahi Phulki, or dahi phulkiyan, are what I grew up eating. It's a cross between Dahi Bhallay and Papri Chaat and to be honest it's my favorite. In our house it was served on many occasions. With chai as a snack, but also with biryani or Yakhni Pulao. It's like raita but with some oomph from the besan (chickpea flour) ki phulkiyaan. The process is simple but the flavors are amazing...
If you don't know what dahi puri is, it's similar to pan puri, or gol gappay. They are literally tiny puri's (a semolina and flour dough that is rolled out and fried to crispy and chewy perfection). Since they are rolled out so small they puff up and hollow out. You fill them with a mixture of potatoes and chickpeas and douse them in a spiced yogurt and some delicious chutneys. It's way less messy than Pain Puri and I love making Dahi Puri more because you can add lots of flavor. They make the perfect appetizer at any table, and my favorite time to make them is during Ramadan. They're easy and fun to eat, and even easier to make.
...This recipe is basic, classic, and just the thing you need to keep those family traditions alive. I use imlee ki chutney all year round, but there's something about the time of year when Ramadan is coming closer, and you just want those classic comfort foods to surround you as you fast the month away. Food has memories attached to them, which is why we make certain foods for certain holidays, and a good old imlee ki chutney is just what you need this Ramadan...
Papri Chaat is the king of chaats. Just the sight of it makes me happy. And honestly, what's not to love? Chickpeas and potatoes are drenched in spicy chutneys and a cooling yogurt sauce. Everything is topped with freshly ground cumin and crunchy papad(papar?). I'm a purist when it comes to papri chaat. If you follow a few simple steps you can get amazing papri chaat at home. In fact, it's better than takeout. I can't tell you how many times I've ordered papri chaat from Indian/ Pakistani restaurants only to be disappointed. I've added some recipes notes to get you the perfect results every time.