Ajwain Seeds and Alternatives
The complex taste of papdi comes from a seed called ajwain seeds also known as carom seeds. They are a small, oval-shaped seed that has a distinctive medicinal smell. The seeds themselves taste earthy, nutty, and slightly bitter. A little bit of carom seeds go a long way. It is said that if you over indulge in too many ajwain seeds and you’ll be running to the loo as it is known to get things moving. Ajwain seeds are surprisingly easy to get at American grocery stores or online and can often be found if you look for carom seeds. When at Indian stores, search for packets with the name ajwain which is what is most commonly known as. If you can’t find get a hold of carom seeds or ajwain, your best alternative are whole cumin seeds which have a similar nutty taste.
Baked vs Fried Papdi
This recipe for papdi crackers can be either baked or fried. If you wish to make your papdi without frying you’ll need to bake the papdi at 350F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. There is a noticeable difference when it comes to baking the papdi vs frying it. The fried papdi are much lighter and airier with exterior bubbles that provide extra crunch and snap. The baked papdi are quite crunchy but feel a bit heavier since they don’t have as many air bubbles and don’t rise and puff in the interior compared to their fried counter parts.
Tips for making papdi
Papdi is one of the most straight forward snacks to make. However, here are some tips to make the cracker making process easier for you.
Making and storing papdi in advance
Papdi can be fried or baked weeks if not months in advance. Here are some tips for storing this delicious snack.
Where can I buy papdi?
Papdi is definitely one of those easy snacks to make. However, sometimes there is just not enough time in the day to make it at home. You can easily buy papdi at your local Indian grocery store or alternatively online. If you can’t seem to source papdi, pita chips are great alternatives to papdi.
Chaats that use papdi
Almost any chaat can benefit from papdi as its crunchy and savory element. However, here are some of the most iconic chaats that you should try and their recipes that use papdi as an ingredient.
Papdi Chaat
Bhel Puri
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