Masala Papad Recipe Using Poha Mirgund

Masala papad, a beloved North Indian snack, is cherished by many for its simplicity and remarkable flavour profile. It's a go-to appetiser or side dish at Indian eateries, be it restaurants, pubs or street food stalls. The combination of crispy healthy papads (poppadum), with a lively topping of onions, tomatoes, green chilies, cilantro and an assortment of spices results in a delightful interplay of textures and flavours that truly tantalises the taste buds.

Before delving into the culinary adventure of preparing masala papad, it's crucial to assemble the necessary ingredients. At the heart of this dish lies the papad, which comes in different varieties like roasted or fried. The selection of papads can greatly impact the ultimate taste and texture of the dish. While some may favour the hearty crunch of deep-fried papad, others might lean towards the lighter, healthier option of roasted papad.

Once the papad selection is made, attention turns to the creation of the tantalising topping that elevates masala papad from a simple snack to a culinary delight. Finely chopped onions, tomatoes and green chillies form the base of the topping, lending their fresh and vibrant flavours to the dish. Coriander leaves, with its bright green leaves and aromatic essence, add a burst of freshness to the ensemble.

Seasoning is key to unlocking the full potential of masala papad. A delicate balance of salt, chaat masala powder and red chilli powder is meticulously blended into the topping mixture, infusing it with layers of savoury, tangy, and spicy notes. The final flourish comes from a generous squeeze of lime juice, imparting a zesty acidity that ties the flavours together harmoniously.

With all your ingredients gathered and ready, it's time to start making homemade masala papad. You can either fry the papads in hot oil until they're golden and crispy or you can roast them in the microwave or air fryer for a healthier option. Once they're nice and crisp, take them out and let them cool down a bit before adding the masala topping.

In a bowl, mix chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies and freshly chopped coriander leaves to the tasty masala topping. Add spices carefully, each one measured just right for perfect flavour. Salt, chaat masala powder and red chilli powder are sprinkled over the mix, making it smell delicious. But it's the lime juice that makes the masala topping special, giving it a zesty tanginess that balances the richness of the papads and awakens the senses. Mixing swiftly, the ingredients unite, their flavours merging to form a delicious blend that satisfies the taste buds.

With a big scoop, you generously add the masala topping onto each papad, making a colourful treat for your eyes and taste buds. A final touch, like some chopped coriander or a sprinkle of chaat masala, gives it extra flavour and texture. And there you have it, masala papad is ready, a delicious dish that satisfies your senses. It's crispy, spicy, and tangy, showing off the rich flavours of Indian cuisine. Whether you're snacking, starting a meal, or having it as a side, masala papad is sure to impress, with its vibrant taste lingering long after you've finished eating.

It's a versatile dish that can be customised to your taste preferences. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Papad (poppadum), roasted or fried
• Onions, finely chopped
• Tomatoes, finely chopped
• Green chilies, finely chopped
• Coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Chaat masala powder
• Red chilli powder
• Lime juice

FAQs:

• You can use either roasted or fried papad to make masala papad, depending on your preference and what is available online. 
• To roast papad in a microwave, lightly brush with oil and microwave on high for 30 seconds, checking for doneness.
• Other toppings like chopped cucumber, carrots, beetroot or mint leaves can be added for extra flavour.
• Masala papad is best served immediately after assembling. However, you can prepare the topping ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep the papads crispy.
• Masala papad can be enjoyed as a snack, appetiser or side dish with Indian meals.

Enjoy this delicious and versatile snack at home! You can buy a variety of authentic Maharashtrian papads online at www.aazol.in