Katori Chart Recipe
Ingredients for 5 Persons
For Katoris (Crispy Bowls)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji, for crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted ghee
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Water (for kneading the dough)
- Oil (for frying)
For Filling
- 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes (diced)
- 1 cup boiled chickpeas (protein-rich and hearty)
- 1 cup yogurt (whisked with a pinch of sugar for smoothness)
- 2 tablespoons green chutney (mint-coriander chutney)
- 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney (for sweetness and tanginess)
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- Salt (to taste)
For Garnish
- ½ cup sev (crispy gram flour noodles)
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional, for a burst of freshness and color)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough for Katoris
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, and oil. Mix well until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Why? Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and fry.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Katoris
- Divide the dough into small balls (roughly the size of a lime).
- Roll out each ball into a thin circle. Place the circle over a small metal bowl (or katori) to give it shape. Prick with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Carefully lower the katori with the dough into the oil. Fry until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool.
Alternative: Bake the katoris in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes for a healthier option.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Boil the potatoes and chickpeas until tender. Dice the potatoes into small cubes.
- In a bowl, mix the potatoes, chickpeas, chaat masala, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Toss well.
Step 4: Assemble the Katori Chaat
- Place the fried or baked katoris on a serving plate.
- Add a spoonful of the potato-chickpea mixture into each katori.
- Top with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of green chutney, and tamarind chutney.
- Sprinkle sev generously on top for crunch.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and pomegranate seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Katori Chaat immediately to ensure the katoris remain crispy.
Nutritional and Health Notes
- Chickpeas: Rich in protein and fiber, they help keep you full for longer.
- Yogurt: A good source of probiotics that aid digestion.
- Tamarind: Adds antioxidants and aids in digestion.
- Baking Option: Opting to bake the katoris reduces the oil content, making the dish healthier.
Quick Tamarind Chutney Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup tamarind pulp
- ½ cup jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix tamarind pulp and water. Heat on medium flame.
- Add jaggery (or sugar) and stir until it dissolves.
- Add roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chutney thickens slightly.
- Let it cool and store it in an airtight container.
Tip: Tamarind chutney can be stored in the fridge for up to a month. It’s versatile and used in various chaats and snacks.
Updated Assembly with Tamarind
When assembling the Katori Chaat, drizzle about 1 teaspoon of tamarind chutney in each katori along with the green chutney and yogurt. This enhances the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness beautifully.