Papad
Crispy, crunchy, and irresistibly savory, these thin lentil wafers are deep-fried to golden perfection in minutes. The perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal, adding a delightful texture and flavor.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Heat the oil for deep frying in a kadai or a deep pan over medium-high heat
- a.To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of papad into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is at the right temperature.
- 2
Fry the papad one at a time
- a.Gently slide one papad into the hot oil. Using tongs, press it down lightly to ensure it cooks evenly. It will expand and cook very quickly, in about 5-10 seconds.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Once the papad is crisp and lightly golden, immediately remove it with the tongs, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pan. Place the fried papad on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil. Repeat for all papads and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Fry one papad at a time as they cook extremely fast. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature.
- 2Don't let the oil get too hot or the papad will burn instantly. If it turns dark brown, reduce the heat slightly.
- 3Store fried papad in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
- 4For a tasty snack, top the fried papad with chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chaat masala to make Masala Papad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For an oil-free version, roast the papad directly over an open flame on a gas stove using tongs. Turn it constantly until it's evenly cooked and blistered, which takes about 20-30 seconds.
quickQuick
You can also cook papad in the microwave. Place a papad on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 30-45 seconds, or until it's crisp. It won't be as evenly cooked as fried or roasted.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Serve plain fried papad as a crunchy snack. Avoid adding spicy toppings like chaat masala or green chilies.