Masala Papad is a delightful Indian snack that offers a perfect balance of crispy and tangy flavors. The roasted papads serve as a crunchy base, topped with a vibrant mix of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves.
Masala Papad
The addition of chaat masala and a squeeze of lemon juice elevates the flavor, making it irresistibly tangy and spicy. Garnishing with sev adds an extra layer of crunch. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavors, Masala Papad is an excellent appetizer or snack that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Papads (thin, crispy lentil or rice wafers)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala (adjust to taste)
- Red chili powder, to taste (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, as needed
- Sev (crunchy chickpea noodles, optional, for garnish)
Instruction
- Roast the Papads:
To start, roast the papads individually over an open flame or in a microwave until they become crisp and attain a light golden color. This step is crucial as it enhances the texture and brings out the characteristic crunchiness of the papad. Once roasted to perfection, set them aside to cool on a plate or rack. - Prepare the Masala Topping:
While the papads are cooling, prepare the flavorful masala topping. In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped onion, tomato, and optionally, green chilies according to your preference for spiciness. Add freshly chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) to the bowl, which not only adds a vibrant green color but also imparts a refreshing, herbaceous aroma to the topping. - Season the Masala:
Sprinkle chaat masala generously over the chopped vegetables. Chaat masala, a quintessential Indian spice blend, brings a tangy and savory flavor profile to the dish. Adjust the spice level by adding red chili powder if you prefer a bit more heat, and season with salt to taste. The seasonings work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors that complement the crispness of the papad. - Mix Well:
Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the masala mixture, providing a zesty citrusy twist that brightens up the flavors. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices and lemon juice. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed, ensuring it meets your personal preference for tanginess and spice. - Assemble the Masala Papad:
Now, it’s time to assemble the Masala Papad. Arrange the cooled and crisp papads neatly on a serving plate. Spoon the prepared masala topping generously over each papad, ensuring that the mixture covers the entire surface. This step is where the magic happens as the combination of crunchy papad and flavorful masala topping creates a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. - Garnish (Optional):
For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle sev (crunchy chickpea noodles) over the masala-topped papads. Sev adds a delightful crunchiness and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the spicy and tangy masala perfectly. This optional garnish not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds an enjoyable textural element. - Serve Immediately:
Masala Papad is best enjoyed fresh and immediately after preparation to preserve its crisp texture and vibrant flavors. Serve it as an appetizer or snack, allowing guests to savor the delightful combination of crunchy papad, tangy masala, and crunchy sev. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a quick snack, Masala Papad is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Tips For Variation
- Cheese Masala Papad: For a cheesy twist on traditional Masala Papad, begin by roasting the papads until they are crisp and lightly golden. While still warm, generously sprinkle grated cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar over each papad to allow it to melt slightly. Next, prepare the masala topping with finely chopped onion, tomato, fresh coriander, and a blend of spices. Spoon the flavorful masala mixture over the cheese-covered papads, ensuring they are evenly coated. For an extra kick, garnish with a sprinkle of chaat masala or chili flakes. Serve immediately to indulge in the warm, cheesy goodness alongside the tangy masala flavors and crispy papad texture.
- Fruit Masala Papad: To add a refreshing twist, experiment with Fruit Masala Papad by incorporating diced fruits such as pineapple, mango, or pomegranate seeds into the traditional masala topping. Start by finely chopping onion, tomato, and coriander leaves for the base of the masala mixture. Mix in the diced fruits to introduce a sweet and juicy element that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors. Season the masala with chaat masala, a pinch of black salt for depth, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the fruity and tangy notes. Spoon the fruit-infused masala generously over the roasted papads and garnish with a sprinkle of sev or chopped nuts for added texture. Serve immediately to enjoy a delightful combination of crunchy papad, tangy masala, and refreshing fruit flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
Macros
- Calories: 50-70 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5-8 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 2-4 grams
Frequently Asked Questions about Masala Papad
- What is Masala Papad?
- Masala Papad is a popular Indian appetizer or snack where a crispy papad (a thin, crisp disc made from lentils or rice flour) is topped with a spicy and tangy mixture of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, and various spices.
- How is Masala Papad served?
- Masala Papad is typically served as an appetizer or starter before a meal. It is enjoyed fresh and immediately after preparation to maintain its crispiness. It can also be served as a light snack or accompaniment with drinks.
- Can Masala Papad be made ahead of time?
- It is best to assemble and serve Masala Papad immediately after preparation to maintain its crunchiness. If made ahead, the papad might lose its crisp texture.
- What are some variations of Masala Papad?
- Masala Papad can be customized with various toppings and additions. Some popular variations include adding cheese over the roasted papad or incorporating diced fruits like mango or pineapple into the masala topping for a sweet twist.
- Is Masala Papad vegetarian/vegan?
- Masala Papad is typically vegetarian, as it is made from plant-based ingredients like papad, vegetables, and spices. To make it vegan, ensure that the papad does not contain any dairy ingredients, and omit any cheese garnish.
Spicy Crunch Delight: Masala Papad Recipe
Masala Papad is a delightful Indian snack that offers a perfect balance of crispy and tangy flavors. The roasted papads serve as a crunchy base, topped with a vibrant mix of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves.
Ingredients
- Papads thin, crispy lentil or rice wafers
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small tomato finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala adjust to taste
- Red chili powder to taste (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh lemon juice as needed
- Sev crunchy chickpea noodles, optional, for garnish
Instructions
1. Roast the Papads:
- Begin by roasting the papads individually over an open flame or in a microwave until they turn crisp and acquire a light golden hue. Once roasted, set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Masala Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped onion, tomato, and optionally, green chilies. Add chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) to the bowl, providing a fresh and herbaceous note to the topping.
3. Season the Masala:
- Sprinkle chaat masala, red chili powder (if desired for extra spice), and salt over the chopped vegetables. These seasonings infuse the mixture with tanginess and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
4. Mix Well:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the masala mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
5. Assemble the Masala Papad:
- Place the roasted papads on a serving plate. Spoon the prepared masala topping evenly over each papad, ensuring they are covered entirely with the flavorful mixture.
6. Garnish (Optional):
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle sev (crunchy chickpea noodles) over the masala-topped papads. This garnish adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the crispness of the papad.
7. Serve Immediately:
- Masala Papad is best enjoyed fresh and immediately after preparation. Serve it as an appetizer or snack, allowing its crunchy texture and tangy flavors to delight your taste buds.