Papad Churi
A crunchy, savory, and tangy Rajasthani snack made by crushing roasted papads and tossing them with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This instant salad is a flavor explosion, perfect as a quick appetizer or a delightful side dish that comes together in under 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Papads
- b.Heat a tawa (griddle) or use an open flame on medium heat.
- c.Using tongs, place one papad at a time on the heat source.
- d.Flip continuously for about 30-40 seconds per papad until it's crisp and has light brown spots. Be careful not to burn it.
- e.Set the roasted papads aside to cool for a minute.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Churi Base
- b.Once cool enough to handle, gently crush the roasted papads with your hands into a large mixing bowl.
- c.Aim for coarse, bite-sized pieces, not a fine powder, to maintain a good texture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Ingredients
- b.To the bowl of crushed papads, add the finely chopped onion, deseeded tomato, green chili, and fresh coriander leaves.
- c.Sprinkle the red chili powder, chaat masala, and a small pinch of salt over the mixture.
- d.Drizzle the melted ghee and freshly squeezed lemon juice on top.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toss and Serve Immediately
- b.Gently but quickly toss all the ingredients together until they are just combined.
- c.It is crucial to perform this step right before serving to prevent the papads from becoming soggy.
- d.Garnish with sev (if using) and serve immediately as a crunchy, flavorful snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Serve Immediately: The number one rule for Papad Churi is to mix and serve it right away to enjoy its signature crunch.
- 2Coarse Crush: Avoid crushing the papads into a fine powder. Uneven, bite-sized pieces provide the best texture.
- 3Deseed Tomatoes: Removing the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes reduces excess moisture, helping to keep the churi crispier for longer.
- 4Ghee is Key: While oil can be substituted, ghee adds an authentic, nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of Rajasthani cuisine.
- 5Salt Sparingly: Papads are already quite salty. Add only a tiny pinch of salt, or taste the mixture before adding any at all.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Peanuts
Add 2-3 tablespoons of roasted and lightly crushed peanuts for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
Jain VersionJain Version
For a Jain-friendly version, simply omit the onions. You can add finely chopped cucumber for extra freshness.
Fruity TwistFruity Twist
Add a handful of pomegranate arils for a burst of sweetness and a beautiful color contrast.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
For those who love heat, add a pinch of black pepper powder or increase the amount of green chilies.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Instant Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the lentil-based papad provide a quick source of energy, making this an excellent snack to combat a mid-day slump.
Source of Plant-Based Protein
Urad dal, the primary ingredient in the recommended papad, is a good source of plant-based protein, which is vital for muscle maintenance and repair.
Rich in Vitamins from Fresh Veggies
The addition of raw onion, tomato, and coriander leaves provides essential vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin A, along with beneficial antioxidants.
Aids Digestion
Spices used in chaat masala, such as black salt (kala namak), cumin, and dried mango powder (amchur), are traditionally known to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Papad Churi (approximately 115g) contains around 190-210 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the type of papad and the amount of ghee used.