Crispy & Flavorful: Homemade Moong Dal Papad Recipe

How to make papad at home?
Love the satisfying crunch of papad as a side dish or snack? Why not try making your own at home? It’s easier than you think, and the taste of freshly made papad is unbeatable. This recipe uses moong dal (split yellow lentils) to create light, crispy papads that are bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these delicious papads.
• Tastier than Store-Bought: The flavor of homemade papad is far superior to any store-bought variety.
• Customize to Your Taste: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite seasonings to create your perfect papad.
• Fun Activity: Making papad can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 2 cups water (for soaking)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing)
• Additional water for grinding (as needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing the Papad Dough

1. Soak the lentils: Rinse the moong dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in 2 cups of water for at least 4-5 hours, or preferably overnight. This softens the lentils and makes them easier to grind.
2. Grind the lentils: Drain the soaked lentils and discard the soaking water. Transfer the lentils to a blender or food processor. Add a little water at a time and grind to a smooth paste. The consistency should be like a thick pancake batter – not too runny, not too thick.
3. Season the dough: Pour the ground lentil paste into a mixing bowl. Add salt, black pepper powder, and asafoetida. Mix well to combine. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Part 2: Making the Papads

1. Prepare the surface: Lightly grease a large plate or a clean kitchen countertop with oil. This will prevent the papads from sticking.
2. Spread the batter: Take a small amount of batter (about 2 tablespoons) and spread it evenly into a thin circle on the greased surface. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to spread the batter. The thinner you spread it, the crispier the papads will be.
3. Dry the papads: Allow the spread papads to air dry in direct sunlight for at least 4-5 hours, or until completely dry and crispy. If you live in a humid climate, it might take longer for them to dry completely. You can also use a food dehydrator to speed up the drying process.

Part 3: Storing and Enjoying

1. Store the papads: Once completely dry, store the papads in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for several weeks at room temperature.
2. Fry or roast the papads: When ready to eat, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully slide a papad into the hot oil and fry for a few seconds on each side, until it puffs up and turns golden brown. You can also roast the papads over an open flame until they puff up.
3. Serve and enjoy: Serve the crispy papads immediately with your favorite Indian meal, or enjoy them as a delicious snack with chutneys or dips.

Tips for the Best Papads

• Soaking time is crucial: Soaking the lentils properly is essential for smooth grinding and the right texture of the papads.
• Grind to a fine paste: Make sure the lentils are ground to a smooth and fine paste to avoid any grainy texture in the papads.
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of pepper or add other spices like chili powder or cumin powder to suit your taste.
• Spread thinly and evenly: For crispy papads, it’s important to spread the batter as thinly and evenly as possible.
• Dry completely: Make sure the papads are completely dry before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Variations

• Spicy Papad: Add finely chopped green chilies or red chili flakes to the batter for an extra kick.
• Cumin Papad: Roast and grind cumin seeds, then add them to the batter for a warm, earthy flavor.
• Garlic Papad: Add finely chopped garlic or garlic powder to the batter for a pungent and savory twist.

Making your own moong dal papad at home is a rewarding experience. You get to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and enjoy the freshest, crunchiest papads. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed by the delicious results!