Dabeli: A Homemade Gujarati Street Food

wellhealthorganic.com Dabeli: Kacchi Dabeli, a beloved street food originating from Gujarat, embodies the rich flavors and textures of Indian cuisine. Crafted from scratch, this Dabeli recipe showcases the intricate balance of homemade Dabeli Masala, zesty red chilli garlic chutney, and a tantalizing spiced potato filling.

Dabeli

Preparation:

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Cuisine: Gujarati, Indian
• Course: Snacks
• Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Ingredients:

Dabeli Masala:

1. 1 dry red chilli
2. 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
3. ½ inch cinnamon
4. 2 to 3 cloves
5. ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

Red Chilli Garlic Chutney:

1. 1 to 2 red chillies (seeds and stalks removed), soaked in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes
2. ⅓ cup garlic cloves 
3. ½ tablespoon lemon juice
4. Salt to taste

Potato Filling:

1. 3 medium-sized potatoes 
2. ⅓ cup finely chopped onions
3. 2 teaspoons Dabeli masala
4. 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
5. ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
6. 2 tablespoons Tamarind Chutney
7. 2 to 3 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)
8. 2 to 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
9. chopped coriander leaves
10. 2 tablespoons oil
11. 2 tablespoons water (optional)
12. Salt to taste

For Serving Dabeli:

1. 4 to 5 Pav or burger buns, sliced in equal halves and lightly roasted in butter or oil
2. ¼ cup roasted peanuts
3. ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves (cilantro)
4. ¼ cup sev (finer variety)
5. ¼ cup pomegranate arils
6. Red chilli garlic chutney (prepared as mentioned in the recipe)
7. Tamarind Chutney

Also Read: Lassi 

Instructions:

Dabeli Masala Powder:

1. Dry roast the red chili, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander seeds until fragrant. Let them cool.
2. Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder. Set aside.

Red Chilli Garlic Chutney:

1. Soak the red chilies in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain the water.
2. In a blender, combine soaked red chilies, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste. Add water if needed. Set aside.

Potato Filling:

1. Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes.
2. In a pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.
3. Add asafoetida and Tamarind Chutney. Mix well.
4. Add mashed potatoes, Dabeli masala powder, and salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add water if needed.
5. Spread the potato filling on a plate. Sprinkle grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, and pomegranate seeds on top.

Assembling Dabeli:

1. Spread Tamarind Chutney on one half of the pav or bun, and red garlic chutney on the other half.
2. Place a portion of the potato filling on one half of the pav.
3. Add chopped onions, coriander leaves, roasted peanuts, pomegranate seeds, Dabeli masala, and sev.
4. Cover with the other half of the pav. Repeat for the remaining dabeli.

Also Read: Malpua  

Notes:

• Coriander Mint Chutney or Coriander Chutney can be used instead of red garlic chutney.
• Ready-made Dabeli masala powder is available in stores.
• Pav Bhaji masala can be substituted for Dabeli masala.
• For added spice, use spiced or masala peanuts instead of plain peanuts.