Kacchi Dabeli: A Tasty Street Food
Just as Mumbai is renowned for its Vada Pav, the Kacchi Dabeli is a famous street food from Gujarat. This delectable snack features a spicy, tangy potato filling that’s sweet and savory, all packed into a soft bun called pav. What makes Kacchi Dabeli unique is its combination of flavors, along with the crunch of peanuts and the richness of various chutneys. It’s an excellent snack for evenings or when you’re craving something delicious at home.
Let’s get started on making this delightful Kacchi Dabeli, complete with a homemade Dabeli masala for that authentic taste!
Ingredients
For Dabeli Masala:
- Coriander seeds – ¼ cup
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Fennel seeds – 1 tsp
- Dried red chili – 4
- Cloves – 3
- Black cardamom – 2
- Black peppercorns – 1 tsp
- Star anise – 2
- Black stone flower (Dagadful) – 1 tsp
- Bay leaf – 2
- Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece
- Dried coconut – ¼ cup
- Dried pomegranate seeds – 1 tsp
- White sesame seeds – 1 tsp
- Kashmiri red chili powder – 2 tbsp
- Black salt – 1 tsp
- Dry ginger powder – 1 tsp
- Sugar – 1 tbsp
- Peanut oil – 1 tsp
For Dabeli:
- Oil – 1 tsp
- Green chili – 1 (finely chopped)
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Cumin powder – ¼ tsp
- Coriander powder – ¼ tsp
- Red chili powder – ¼ tsp
- Dabeli masala – 2 tsp
- Water – 1 cup (or as required)
- Boiled & mashed potatoes – 2
- Salt – to taste
- Sugar – 3 tsp
- Dates and tamarind chutney – 4 tbsp
- Masala peanuts – ½ cup
- Pav (buns) – 6
- Red chili chutney – ¼ cup
- Sweet chutney (Meethi chutney) – ½ cup
- Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
- Fresh coconut (grated) – for garnish
- Fresh pomegranate seeds – for garnish
- Butter – as required
Method
Step – 1 Prepare the Dabeli Masala : Let’s begin by making our homemade Dabeli masala.
- Firstly, heat a pan, dry roast ¼ cup coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 4 dried red chilies, 3 cloves, 2 black cardamoms, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 2 star anise, 1 tsp black stone flower, 2 bay leaves, and a small piece of cinnamon stick over low heat until they release a fragrant aroma.
- Now add ¼ cup dried coconut, 1 tsp dried pomegranate seeds, and 1 tsp white sesame seeds to the pan. Roast until they turn golden brown.
- Allow the roasted spices to cool, then grind them into a fine powder. Mix in 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tsp black salt, 1 tsp dry ginger powder, and 1 tbsp sugar.
- Drizzle in 1 tsp peanut oil for added flavor. Store this masala in an airtight jar; it can last for up to a month.
Step – 2 Prepare the Dabeli Filling:
- Now heat a pan, heat 1 tsp oil and sauté 1 finely chopped green chili. Add ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ¼ tsp cumin powder, ¼ tsp coriander powder, and ¼ tsp red chili powder.
- Stir in 2 tsp Dabeli masala, and add 1 cup water, along with 4 tbsp dates and tamarind chutney and 2 boiled, mashed potatoes. Mix well until the potatoes are fully incorporated and the mixture is heated through.
- Season with salt to taste and 3 tsp sugar. Cook until the mixture thickens. If it’s too thick, feel free to adjust with a little more water or chutney.
- Cover and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes.
Step – 3 Assemble the Dabeli:
- Now take a pav and spread sweet chutney on one side and red chili chutney on the other.
- Stuff the pav with the prepared Dabeli filling. Top with masala peanuts, finely chopped fresh coriander leaves, and grated coconut. You can also sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds for a vibrant touch.
- Close the pav and roast it in a pan with butter until golden brown on both sides.
Step – 4 Serve Dabeli:
- Once the pav is roasted nicely, coat it in fine sev (crispy gram flour noodles) for added crunch.
- Finally , serve the Kacchi Dabeli with extra chutneys and masala peanuts on the side. In the same way prepare dabeli.
- It’s perfect for parties or when you want to enjoy some tasty street food at home!
Tips for the Perfect Dabeli:
- Homemade Dabeli Masala truly elevates the dish. Prepare it in advance so you can whip up Dabeli whenever the craving strikes.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of chili chutney or Dabeli masala.
- Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh coconut and pomegranate seeds enhance the flavor and presentation of the Dabeli.
- Roasting the pav in butter gives it that delightful crispy texture and rich flavor, making your Dabeli irresistible!
This Kacchi Dabeli recipe is not just a snack; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Gujarat to your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy evening at home, you’ll find this dish delightful and satisfying. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
