Kutchi Dabeli - Desi Burger - Street Food

Hey wanted to share an amazing dish that I bumped across. It goes well as a part starter or a snack.

Originates from the Kutch region of Gujarat from where it migrated years later to the streets of mumbai that have made snacks like Pav Bhaji, Chat, Vada Pav so famous. It got its due here and became quite famous with all the street food lovers.
Don't miss it if you are anywhere there.

Anyways one advantage it is not as famous as the Pav bhaji that anyone will know to make and so this can be "your" introduction to any small party, gathering meet that you are having and trust me "No one can steal your thunder" on this one :)

The recipe follows. I have to say it is a little cumbersome but the praises you will get..well worth it!!

Ingredients:

For the Dabeli Masala

• 2 tbsp Oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 3 - Onion
• 3 tbsp Dabeli Masala Powder
• 2- Tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• 3-4 Potatoes Boiled
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice

For Garnish:
• 1 cup Spicy Peanuts( I took the non spicy variety)
• 1/2 Cup Corainder Leaves finely chopped
• 1 cup Nylon Sev
• 1 cup Pomegranate Seeds
• 1/2 cup Chopped Onions


For the Bread:

Any Pav Bun will suffice. Ensure that it is soft and fresh. You will have to split the bun into half just until the end and not completely. This should form a kind of a pocket for us to smear all the masalas.

Method for the Dabeli Masala:

1. Take the oil and butter in a wok.
2. Once it is hot add the onion and fry for some time.
3. Now add the Dabeli Masala (1 tbsp) and saute some more.
4. Once it is well mixed add the Tomatoes and fry.
5. Add Salt and fry till the tomatoes are soft.
6. Once the tomatoes are done then add the boiled potatoes, 1 tbsp of Dabeli Masala and a little bit of sugar and lemon juice and sauté till well done.
7. Transfer the ingredients into a flat plate so that you can assemble the Dabeli.

Assembling the Dabeli Masala with Garnish:

Pulse the peanuts for a couple of seconds till they are slightly crunchy at the same time are not whole anymore.

Sprinkle the peanut mixture on top of the Potato mixture.

Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves on top of this mixture.

Now sprinkle the Nylon Sev on top of this mixture generously.

Finally add the Pomegrate Seeds on top of this.

Now the mixture is ready to filled into the Pav along with the chutney.

Apply a little butter onto the Pav buns till they are soft.

Now apply little bit of the Sweet chutney inside the Pav and then close it to ensure the chutney has spread evenly inside the Pav.

Now apply the Red chutney and do the same procedure as above.

Scoop a portion of the Dabeli mixture and put it inside the Pav and then add chopped onions, some coriander leaves, peanut and press the pav lightly.

Enjoy your Dabeli.

Spicy Red Chutney:

• 10 Red Chillies
• 15-20 Garlic Pods
• Lemon Juice 2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Water to blend
Procedure: Pulse everything in a mixie till it becomes a smooth paste.

Sweet Chutney:

• Tamarind – Lemon size ball
• Sugar or Jaggery – ½ cup
• Water - 1 cup
Procedure: Simmer the tamarind and jaggery along with water till the mixture thickens. Sieve and remove the tamarind seeds and skin to get the sweet chutney.

Dabeli Masala is easily available across Maharashtra and some parts of Gujrat. It can be prepared at home and Sia in her blog has given the procedure to make the dabeli masala from scratch. Do check out her version of making this dish too..