Recipe for Street-Style Dabeli A Burst of Flavors in Every Bite

Dabeli is a popular street food from the Kutch region of Gujarat, known for its delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Also called “Kutchi Dabeli,” this snack is similar to a spicy, flavorful burger, with mashed potatoes infused with special dabeli masala and topped with a variety of chutneys, sev (crunchy gram noodles), pomegranate seeds, and peanuts. Here’s an easy recipe to help you make street-style Dabeli at home.

Ingredients for Dabeli
For the Dabeli Masala:
●    2 tbsp coriander seeds
●    1 tbsp cumin seeds
●    1 tbsp fennel seeds (saunf)
●    3-4 dried red chilies
●    1 small stick of cinnamon
●    2-3 cloves
●    1 tbsp sesame seeds
●    1/2 tbsp black peppercorns
●    1 tbsp coconut powder (optional)

For the Dabeli Filling:
●    4-5 medium-sized boiled potatoes (mashed)
●    2 tbsp dabeli masala (homemade or store-bought)
●    1/4 cup tamarind chutney (sweet chutney)
●    2-3 tbsp spicy garlic chutney
●    2-3 tbsp oil
●    Salt to taste
For Garnishing and Assembly:
●    6-8 ladi pav (soft bread rolls)
●    1/2 cup sev (crispy gram flour noodles)
●    1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
●    1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
●    1/4 cup roasted peanuts
●    1 medium onion, finely chopped
●    2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dabeli Masala (if making at home)
●    Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, dried red chilies, cinnamon stick, cloves, sesame seeds, and black peppercorns in a pan on low heat.
●    Once fragrant, remove from heat and let the spices cool.
●    Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder. You can also add coconut powder for added flavor.
●    Store this masala in an airtight container for future use.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Filling
1.    Heat oil in a pan and add 2 tbsp of the dabeli masala. Stir for a few seconds until the masala releases its aroma.
2.    Add mashed potatoes to the pan and mix them well with the masala.
3.    Add salt to taste and 2-3 tbsp of tamarind chutney for a touch of sweetness. Stir everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices.
4.    Remove the pan from heat and set the filling aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chutneys
●    Tamarind Chutney: You can either make your own tamarind chutney by boiling tamarind pulp with jaggery, salt, and spices or use store-bought sweet chutney.
●    Garlic Chutney: Blend together garlic, red chili powder, salt, and a little water to make a spicy garlic chutney.

Step 4: Assemble the Dabeli
1.    Slice the pav buns horizontally and lightly toast them on a tawa or skillet with butter until golden brown.
2.    Take the bottom half of the toasted pav, spread spicy garlic chutney on one side and a bit of tamarind chutney on the other.
3.    Add a generous spoonful of the prepared potato filling onto the pav.
4.    Sprinkle some roasted peanuts, onions, pomegranate seeds, and sev on top of the filling.
5.    Garnish with a few chopped coriander leaves for added freshness.
6.    Place the top half of the pav on the filling, pressing gently to hold the dabeli together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your street-style dabeli hot, with extra sev on the side for that added crunch. For a more authentic experience, pair the dabeli with a glass of chilled buttermilk or any soft drink.
Tips for Perfect Dabeli
●    Make-Ahead Masala: Prepare the dabeli masala in larger quantities and store it for later use.
●    Crispy Pav: Toasting the pav with butter enhances the flavor and makes the dabeli extra delicious.
●    Variations: You can add grated coconut or raisins to the filling for a sweet and savory mix.
With this simple and delicious recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of street-style Dabeli from the comfort of your home. The combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, along with the crunch of sev and peanuts, makes it a snack that’s hard to resist!