This masala papad is an easy to make, tasty, oil-free, vegan, and protein rich appetizer that is loaded with fresh flavors and textures. This can be an amazing snack too!
Why Masala Papad?
Have you ever tasted a wonderful snack that hiyts all the boxes for a healthy snack or appetizer? This masala papad will hit all the spots. This masala papad has two components - the papad and the toppings.
The protein packed papad that is not fried gives nourishment, stisfies hunger, as well as provides proteins. Papad are the base of this yummy appetizer. Papad is made of urad dhal generally and it contributes to the protein content. Many flavors of papad are available and you could choose any that would suit your taste.
Fresh veggies like carrots, onions, and tomatoes with a little of spice powders add to the crunch, flavor, as well as provide a tasty texture. The two components make it the amazing appetizer or snack for any time. No wonder this addictice snack is popular all over a street food as well as the most ordered one in restaurantrs too.
The final winning point is that this masala papad is the most easiest to make. You could make this in a jiffy! Yes, trust me. That's why it always a winner in our home. All you need is a little fresh veggies and papad. Microwave the papad, top with fresh topping and there it is - the most amazing appetizer bits that would reverberate the tantalizing flavors.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are required to make this appetizer.
Papad - Papads are the base of this appetizer. This recipe uses cuimn flavored, however you could use black pepper papad or chili papad to suit your taste. These papads are available in Indian groceries.
Carrots - Adds to the nutrition as well as the vibrant color of the topping
Onion - This adds to the flavor punch and aroma.
Tomatoes - Add to the acidic flavor and color
Lemon juice - Balances the flavor of the topping with its acidity
Salt - gives flavor
Cilantro - Adds to the aroma and flavor.
Thai chili - Gives the spicy flavor kick. You may want to adjust this as per your taste preference.
Chaat masala - This spice mixture adds to flavor boost with mouth puckering flavors. The spices and the black salt make this unique mix. You could use homemade or store-bought masala for this recipe.
Variation
The papad is the base for this appetizer. I have used a cumin flavored one in this recipe, however most of the times I use the black pepper papad. If you are using black pepper one, cut down in the Thai chili amount in the topping unless you want that level of spiciness.
There are many flavors of papad available in Indian groceries. You can play around these for funfilled snacks anytime that your family would love.
Serving Suggestions
This masala papad has to served immediately. Else, it may become soggy. Crisp and crunchy papad with veggie topping that bursts in your mouth should be the perfect way to serve this appetizer.
You could serve whole papad or you can cut the papad into half or quarters to manage the protion size when feeding a crowd. This crowd pleasing appetizer is super easy to make.
This masala papad can also be a great afternoon snack. Serve with a glass of salt lassi or sweet lassi or mango lassi for a snacky meal.
Storage
The masala papad cannot be stored as it would become soggy. The best way is to prep the veggies before and right before serving mixing in the salt such that the papad doesn't become watery.
You can microwave the papad just before serving which doesn't take longer time. However, you could make it a little ahead and stoire carefully such that it doesn't break or crumble into pieces.
When serving this papad, you could make stations such that anyone can add the toppings as they wish. In this way the papad remains crisp and even if there is leftovers, it is easier to store the papad and the topping away easily. Just pack the topping in an airtight container and refrigerate it. The papad can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and used later.
Is this vegan?
This oil free masala papad is vegan and doesnt use any dairy products.
More Easy and Tasty Appetizers/Snacks
Simple appetizers are great for any day and any occasion. This simple yet tasty masala papad is one of our favorites. If you love this idea, you will alos love this easy to make Peanut Chaat/Salad or Churmuri which can be made with pantry essentials. These have the carrots, onions, and tomatoes which are also flavor enhancers for any food. We love a simple Carrot Slaw for any time side. I would recommend this Sweet Potata Chaat Bites for yet another tasty snack/appetizer for any day, any occasion!
Masala Papad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Carrot shredded
- ½ cup Tomatoes finely chopped
- ⅓ cup Onion finely chopped
- ½ tsp Chaat masala
- ¼ tsp Salt tsp
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 Thai chili finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Cilantro finely chopped
- 3 Papad
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except the papad in a bowl. Combine thororughly.
- Microwave the papad for 52 seconds (8-9 inch papad)
- Sprinkle a third of the topping on the papad and serve immediately.
More Brunch Recipes:
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Crepes from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Coffee Cake Donuts from Jolene's Recipe Journal
- Fried Deviled Eggs from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread from A Little Fish in the Kitchen
- Mocha Latte Coffee Cake from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Simple French Toast Casserole with Apples from Blogghetti
- Sopes with Chorizo and Egg from Palatable Pastime
- Tex-Mex Breakfast Crepes from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Virgin Strawberry Margarita from Art of Natural Living
Cindy says
So pretty and colorful!
Hezzi-D says
This sounds so packed with flavor and it's pretty too!
Wendy Klik says
This sounds perfect for a brunch buffet.
Marcelle says
I've never tried papad, but just from the ingredients list here I know this appetizer is loaded with delicious flavors! 🙂 Definitely a must-try for me!
Karen's Kitchen Stories says
Love the gorgeous colors! The papad looks so intriguing.
Inger says
What beautiful colors and flavors!
Lisa Kerhin says
Packed with flavor and so colorful! Love it!
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Lisa.
Jolene says
Flavor, texture, color and a little kick? I'm in!
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks for visiting Jolene.
Christie says
Papads are so deliciously crispy! I love the cumin and black pepper flavored ones. They're perfectly crisped in the microwave in seconds. I used to eat them as a snack, but never used them as a base for delicious toppings. Gotta try that.
magicalingrdnts says
You'll love it for sure!