Crispy Rice Papadi
If you’re looking for a light, crunchy snack that’s not only tasty but also gluten-free, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re making delicious traditional Indian snack – Rice Papadi. Made with rice flour, this crispy delight is the perfect snack for your evening tea. What’s even better is that it contains no refined flour (maida) or wheat flour, making it 100% gluten-free and ideal for those seeking healthier snack alternatives.
The beauty of this papadi lies in its simplicity and versatility. With the addition of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, curry leaves, and a hint of spice from green chili and ginger paste, every bite is a burst of flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a snack you can make in bulk and store for up to a month, which means you’ll always have something handy to munch on when those cravings strike.
The use of butter makes this papadi extra crisp and flavorful, but you can easily swap it with ghee or oil based on your preference. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a homemade snack for the kids, or just want something crunchy to pair with your tea, Rice Papadi is a perfect recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Now, let’s dive into this easy and delightful snack recipe that can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- Rice flour – 2 cups
- Butter – 2 tbsp (or you can use oil or ghee)
- Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp
- Freshly crushed black pepper – ½ tsp
- Roasted peanut powder – 1 tbsp
- Chopped curry leaves – 1 sprig
- Green chili and ginger paste – 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Hing (asafoetida) – 1/8 tsp
- Red chili powder – 1 tsp
- Roasted chana dal powder – 2 tbsp
- Soaked moong dal – 2 tbsp
- Salt – as per taste
- Water – as required (lukewarm)
Method
- Firstly, in a mixing bowl, take 2 cups of rice flour. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. We are using butter to make the papadi extra crispy. You can also use oil or ghee if you prefer. Now add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, ½ teaspoon of freshly crushed black pepper, 1 tablespoon of roasted peanut powder, and a sprig of chopped curry leaves.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of green chili and ginger paste, ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1/8 teaspoon of hing, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 2 tablespoons of roasted chana dal powder, and 2 tablespoons of soaked moong dal. Lastly, add salt as per taste and mix all these ingredients well.
- Gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture and knead it into a smooth dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- To make the papadis, grease your hands with a little oil. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough ball between two sheets of plastic or parchment paper and press it flat using your hands or a small bowl to give it a round shape. No need for a rolling pin here! Press the dough gently to get thin, even papadis.
- Now heat oil in a pan for deep frying. Once the oil is hot, fry the papadis on medium heat. Fry them slowly until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to fry them in batches and do not overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the crispy papadis from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Let them cool down completely before storing them.
- Once cooled, you can store these rice papadis in an airtight container for up to a month. They’re perfect as a tea-time snack, and much healthier than store-bought snacks!
Tips:
- Make sure to knead the dough properly so the papadis turn out crispy.
- Fry on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
- You can adjust the spices according to your taste, adding more chili or pepper for a spicier version.
These homemade Rice Papadis are not only crunchy and delicious but also much healthier than store-bought snacks. Try making them at home and enjoy the perfect tea-time treat!
