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Papad Nachos with Indian salsa

Papad Nachos with Indian Salsa

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Indian, Mexican
Servings 4 (as a snack or appetizer)

Equipment

  • Large baking tray or oven-proof dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan (if warming toppings or chutney)
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Whisk
  • Oven or air fryer

Ingredients
  

For the Papad Nachos

  • 10 –12 large plain lentil papads masala urad dal papad or traditional Indian papad both work
  • 1 tbsp oil avocado or neutral

For the Indian Salsa

  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes finely diced
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • 1 small green chili deseeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
  • ¼ tsp chaat masala
  • Salt to taste

For Toppings

  • ½ cup plain yogurt whisked smooth
  • ¼ cup crumbled paneer or grated cheddar optional but delicious
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander
  • 1 tbsp finely diced green chilies optional
  • 1 tsp chaat masala

Optional Garnishes

  • Slices of avocado
  • 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
  • A drizzle of tamarind chutney optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salsa

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, green chili, and cilantro.
  2. Season with lemon juice, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and salt.
  3. Taste and tweak seasoning as necessary. Set aside to let flavors meld.

Crisp the Papads

  1. Oven method: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Lightly brush papads with oil, break into chip-size pieces, and spread on a baking tray. Bake 5–7 minutes until crisp but not burnt.
  2. Air fryer method: Cook at 180°C for 3–5 minutes in batches.
  3. Stovetop/open flame method: Toast papad on low heat until it puffs and browns evenly.

Assemble the Nachos

  1. Layer crisp papad pieces on a large serving platter or tray.
  2. Spoon dollops of Indian salsa across the surface, spreading lightly.
  3. Drizzle yogurt evenly over nachos.
  4. Sprinkle with paneer or cheddar, followed by chopped cilantro and green chilies.
  5. Finish with a final sprinkle of chaat masala and optional garnishes like avocado or tamarind chutney.

Serve

  1. Serve immediately. Encourage guests to dig in, combining crisp papad, savory salsa, tangy yogurt, and melted cheese in every bite.