Delhi Special Raj Kachori Recipe
50 Mins
3-4 People
10 Mins
Introduction:
Raj Kachori, the delight of Delhi's bustling streets! I vividly remember the first time I encountered this majestic dish during a trip to Delhi. The aroma of spicy chutneys, the crunch of sev, and the burst of flavors with every bite left me utterly mesmerized. It was like a culinary adventure unfolding before my eyes. Since that moment, Raj Kachori has held a special place in my heart, not just as a delicious snack but as a symbol of the vibrant and diverse food culture of India's capital city. Let me take you on a journey to discover the magic of Delhi's special Raj Kachori.
Raj Kachori Recipe
Ingredients:
For Filling:
- ½ cup Brown chana, soaked
- ½ cup Chickpeas, soaked
- Salt, to taste
- A pinch of Baking Soda
- 1 cup Green whole moong, soaked
For Kachori Dough:
- ½ bowl All-purpose flour
- ½ bowl Semolina
- ½ tsp Salt
- Warm water, as needed
For Raj Kachori Stuffing:
- ½ cup Besan (Gram flour)
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tbsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- ½ tbsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Coriander Powder
- A pinch of Baking Soda
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 2 tbsp Water
Toppings:
- Boiled Potato
- Dahi Bhalla
- Chaat Masala
- Sweetened Curd
- Chopped Raw Mango
- Dal Moth Namkeen
- Nylon Sev
- Beetroot Juliennes
- Pomegranate Seeds
Method:
For the Filling:
- Pressure cook soaked chickpeas and brown chana with water, salt, and a pinch of baking soda for 4-5 whistles.
- Boil soaked green moong with water and a pinch of salt until tender.
For the Kachori Dough:
- Mix all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, and warm water in a flat plate. Knead into a smooth dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
For the Raj Kachori Stuffing:
- In a bowl, mix besan, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, baking soda, oil, and water to form a thick paste.
Assembly:
- Take a portion of the kachori dough and create a well in the center.
- Add a spoonful of the prepared stuffing and seal the kachori by pressing the edges. Flatten it into a round disc.
Frying:
- Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the kachori until golden brown.
- Remove and let excess oil drain on a kitchen tissue.
Assembling the Raj Kachori:
- Carefully break open a kachori from the center to create a cavity.
- Fill the cavity with boiled chickpeas, brown chana, boiled green moong, salt, red chilli powder, crushed boiled potatoes, and chaat masala.
- Top with dahi bhalla, chopped raw mango, green chutney, saunth chutney, and sweetened curd.
- Garnish with dal moth namkeen, nylon sev, beetroot juliennes, and pomegranate seeds.
Your delicious Raj Kachori is ready to be served!
About the Recipe:
Delhi Special Raj Kachori is a famous street food from Delhi, known for its large size, vibrant colors, and explosion of flavors. It is essentially a crispy, hollow puri filled with a variety of savory and tangy ingredients, including boiled potatoes, sprouts, chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, and spices. The kachori is then topped with a generous amount of sev (crispy chickpea noodles), pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs. This iconic dish captures the essence of Delhi's culinary scene and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Cooking Tips:
- Prepare the kachori dough using fine semolina (sooji) for a crispy texture.
- Make sure to knead the dough well and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Fry the kachoris in hot oil over medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy.
- To achieve the signature hollow shape, gently press down the center of the kachori while frying.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the filling to enhance the flavor of the kachori.
- Drizzle generous amounts of yogurt, green chutney, and tamarind chutney over the kachori for an authentic taste.
- Garnish the kachori with a colorful array of toppings such as sev, chopped coriander, and grated carrots for visual appeal.
- Serve the Raj Kachori immediately after assembling to enjoy it at its best.
Pairing Guide:
Raj Kachori pairs well with a refreshing glass of chilled sweet lassi or masala chai. It can also be enjoyed alongside other popular Delhi street foods such as chaat, samosas, and pakoras. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of crispy papdi or bhel puri.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raj Kachori:
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What is Raj Kachori? Raj Kachori is a popular street food from Delhi, consisting of a large hollow puri filled with a variety of savory and tangy ingredients.
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What are the main ingredients used in Raj Kachori? The main ingredients include fine semolina, boiled potatoes, sprouts, chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, spices, sev, and fresh herbs.
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How is Raj Kachori different from regular kachori? Raj Kachori is larger in size and filled with a wide range of toppings, whereas regular kachori is smaller and typically stuffed with a spiced lentil or potato filling.
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Can I make Raj Kachori at home? Yes, Raj Kachori can be made at home with some patience and effort. Follow a trusted recipe and pay attention to the details to achieve the perfect taste and texture.
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Is Raj Kachori a vegetarian dish? Yes, Raj Kachori is a vegetarian dish as it does not contain any meat or animal products.
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Can I customize the toppings in Raj Kachori? Yes, you can customize the toppings according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add or omit any ingredients to suit your liking.
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Where can I find Raj Kachori in Delhi? Raj Kachori is available at various street food stalls and chaat shops across Delhi, especially in popular markets like Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place.
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Is Raj Kachori spicy? The level of spiciness in Raj Kachori can be adjusted according to personal preference. You can control the amount of green chutney and red chili powder used in the recipe.
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Can I make Raj Kachori ahead of time? It is best to assemble Raj Kachori just before serving to maintain its crispy texture and freshness. However, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them quickly when needed.
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What makes Delhi's Raj Kachori special? Delhi's Raj Kachori is renowned for its generous portion size, diverse range of toppings, and bold flavors. It encapsulates the essence of Delhi's rich culinary heritage and street food culture.