Papori

Papori (also transliterated as Papri) is a popular North Indian street food and snack. It is a small, crisp, deep-fried flatbread made from refined wheat flour (maida) or whole wheat flour (atta).

Description: Papori is typically round or slightly oval in shape and has a slightly puffed or blistered surface due to the frying process. It is characterized by its crunchy and flaky texture. It is often sold in stacks and is relatively lightweight.

Culinary Uses: Papori forms the base for several chaat dishes, most notably Papri Chaat. In Papri Chaat, the papori is topped with a variety of ingredients, including boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys (such as tamarind chutney and mint-coriander chutney), sev (crispy noodles made from gram flour), and spices. It is also sometimes eaten on its own as a snack, dipped in chutney or raita.

Regional Variations: While the basic recipe remains relatively consistent, regional variations may exist in the flour used (maida or atta), the size and shape of the papori, and the accompanying toppings used in Papri Chaat.

Preparation: Papori dough is typically made by combining flour with oil, water, and sometimes carom seeds (ajwain) for flavor. The dough is then rolled out thinly and cut into small circles before being deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

Other Names: The name "Papori" (or "Papri") is the most common, but regional variations in pronunciation and spelling may exist.