Papad, a thin Indian waffle that is fried or toasted, is a side dish that always adds a pinch of spice to food, complimenting it in a way no other snack can. Whatever the meal, papad always stands out for its rich aromas and flavors. Given India’s diversity, papad carries the local ingredients from the region’s staple food, making it a truly national snack. There was a time when almost every household in India knew the craft of making delicious papads. Over time, as we moved to buying ready-made meals off the shelf, this culinary practice declined. But it wasn’t lost.
And we’ve brought back the recipes to help you prepare and enjoy the snack at home this winter. When the weather is cold we crave snacks and there is no better alternative than the golden old papads. So this winter season you can fortify your meal with these recipes.
1. Aloo Ka Papad
We all love potatoes. This is how everyone loves his papad. These papads were once a household item for older women, supported by their grandchildren, who made them with kilos of potatoes. A great advantage of this papad is that it lasts all year round.
2. Sabudana Papad
Made from Sabudana, this papad not only tastes delicious, but is also high in energy. Sabudana is made from the edible part of the tropical palm and is packed with several health benefits. It is high in calories as it is made from starch. Because it’s gluten-free, it’s an excellent substitute for wheat-based flour and grains. The pappad also has the added benefits of jeera, which aids digestion.
3. Dal Papad
Usually we do this papad with Urad or Moong Dal. It can be a great alternative to chips and other processed snacks like fingers that are dearly sold in the market.
4. Reis Papad
A recipe unique in India, papad is made by boiling and puffing rice grains. It’s crispier than the papads you make with dal. You can add a pinch of hing and lemon juice to create an amazing taste.
5. Masala Papad
Once you’ve made papad, you can either have it plain or give it a twist. Cover the papad base with a spicy onion and tomato mixture and chew with a hot cup of tea or coffee without worrying too much about the calories.
6. Papad ki sabzi
In winter we like to delay leaving our houses – even to buy vegetables. The next time you feel like this, you can always reach for papads in your kitchen to cook his sabzi in a seasoned saucepan.
7. Stuffed papad
If you’re one of those people who likes fillings in food, try papad as a wrap. It is healthier than the refined wheat flour (maida) used in the market. Use either chicken filling or paneer if you prefer a vegetarian diet.
Try these recipes and let us know which one was your favorite!
