Dabeli, also known as Kutchi Dabeli, is a popular street food from the Kutch region of Gujarat. This flavorful snack consists of a spicy potato filling, sweet and tangy chutneys, crunchy pomegranate seeds, and roasted peanuts, all stuffed in a soft bun. It’s a delightful medley of flavors and textures that tantalizes the taste buds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious street food at home.

Ingredients

For the Potato Filling:

• 3 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon Dabeli masala (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

For the Garlic Chutney:

• 6-8 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Water as needed

For the Tamarind Date Chutney:

• 1 cup tamarind pulp
• 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon black salt
• Salt to taste

For Assembling:

• 6 pav buns (Indian bread rolls) or hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup sev (crunchy chickpea flour noodles)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• Butter for toasting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Chutney:

• Blend garlic, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice into a smooth paste. Add a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Prepare the Tamarind Date Chutney:

• In a saucepan, combine tamarind pulp, dates, jaggery, cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt.
• Cook on medium heat until the mixture thickens.
• Allow it to cool, then blend into a smooth paste. Add water to adjust the consistency if needed.

3. Make the Potato Filling:

• Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add finely chopped onion and green chilies. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
• Add the Dabeli masala and salt. Mix well.
• Add the mashed potatoes and mix until the spices are well incorporated.
• Add tamarind chutney and mix thoroughly. Cook for a few minutes.
• Turn off the heat and stir in chopped coriander leaves and pomegranate seeds.

4. Assemble the Dabeli:

• Slice the pav buns horizontally but not completely through, keeping one side intact.
• Spread the prepared garlic chutney on one side of the bun and tamarind date chutney on the other side.
• Stuff the bun with a generous amount of the prepared potato filling.
• Sprinkle roasted peanuts, sev, pomegranate seeds, and chopped coriander leaves over the filling.
• Close the bun and press lightly.

5. Toast the Dabeli:

• Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a little butter.
• Place the stuffed Dabeli buns on the griddle and toast until they are golden and crispy on both sides.

6. Serve:

• Serve the hot and crispy Dabeli immediately, garnished with extra sev and pomegranate seeds if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Dabeli

• Homemade Dabeli Masala: While store-bought masala works well, you can make your own for an authentic taste. Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and dry red chilies. Grind them to a fine powder.
• Chutney Consistency: Ensure your chutneys are neither too thick nor too runny. They should spread easily on the bun.
• Toasting: Toasting the buns with butter enhances the flavor and gives a nice crispy texture.

Conclusion

Dabeli is a delightful snack that brings the flavors of Gujarat right to your kitchen. Its combination of spicy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as an evening snack, this Dabeli recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the authentic taste of Kutchi Dabeli with your friends and famil