🇮🇳 Indian Cuisine · Street Food

Papdi Chaat

Prep

20 mins

Cook

10 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Crunchy fried papdi wafers piled with chickpeas, potato, yogurt, tamarind, and green chutney in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 400g lamb shoulder
  • 300g naan bread
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • a generous handful of potatoes
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • a drizzle of tamarind paste
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 yellow onions, chopped
  • a generous spoonful of plain yogurt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the flattened rice (poha) base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the large prawns, potatoes, crushed green cardamom pods, and ground turmeric, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat ghee in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the flattened rice (poha) until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the large prawns mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 10 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the flattened rice (poha) with the filling, a spoonful of plain yogurt, and a scattering of cilantro.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of lemon wedges for extra flavor and texture.

Tips

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.

Double the plain yogurt so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.

Keep the ghee hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.