How to Roast/Fry Papad Perfectly (Tips for Crispy Papad)

Papad, also known as poppadum, is a thin, crispy Indian cracker typically made from lentil, chickpea, or rice flour. It’s a beloved snack and appetizer, enjoyed across India and beyond. The key to a perfect papad lies in its crispiness. Whether you choose to fry or roast, achieving that delightful crunch requires the right technique. This guide offers simple steps and handy tips to help you master the art of making perfectly crispy papad every time.

Frying Papad

Frying is the most common method for preparing papad and results in a light, airy, and incredibly crispy texture.

Steps:

1. Heat the oil: Use a wide, shallow pan and heat enough oil to fully submerge the papad. The oil should be hot but not smoking. A good way to test the oil temperature is to drop a small piece of papad into it – it should puff up immediately.
2. Fry the papad: Gently slide the papad into the hot oil. It will puff up almost instantly. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, press the edges of the papad down gently to ensure even cooking and prevent it from curling up excessively. Be cautious, as the hot oil can splatter.
3. Flip and cook: After a few seconds, when one side is golden brown and crispy, flip the papad and cook the other side. This should only take a few more seconds. The entire frying process should be quick, typically less than a minute per papad.
4. Drain and serve: Remove the crispy papad from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container once cooled.

Tips for Frying:

• Use refined oil for best results and to avoid any strong flavors from the oil affecting the papad taste.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry papads one or two at a time to ensure even cooking and prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
• Be careful not to overcook the papad, as it can burn quickly and become bitter.

Roasting Papad

Roasting is a healthier alternative to frying and imparts a slightly smoky flavor to the papad. While not as uniformly crispy as fried papad, roasting produces a satisfying crunch and is much quicker.

Methods for Roasting:

Direct Flame:

• Hold the papad with tongs over an open gas flame, rotating it continuously to ensure even cooking. Be cautious of flare-ups.
• Alternatively, cook on a hot griddle or tawa, flipping once.

Microwave:

• Place the papad on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave on high for about 30-60 seconds, checking for doneness every 15 seconds to avoid burning. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
• Place papads in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully as they can burn quickly.

Tips for Roasting:

• For an even crispier roasted papad, lightly brush it with oil before roasting, especially when using a microwave or oven.
• Roasting times can vary depending on the thickness of the papad and the heat source. Keep a close eye on the papad to prevent burning.
• Roasted papads tend to become less crispy over time, so it’s best to roast them just before serving.

Storing Papad

Proper storage is essential to maintain the crispiness of papads.

Tips for Storing:

• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• Adding a desiccant packet (like silica gel) to the container can help absorb any excess moisture.
• Avoid storing papads in the refrigerator, as the temperature fluctuations can cause condensation and make them soggy.

Enjoying Papad

Papad can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Plain: The simplest way to enjoy papad is to eat it as is, relishing its crispy texture and subtle flavor.
• With toppings: Get creative with toppings! Chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, chutneys, chaat masala, and a squeeze of lemon juice are popular choices. This is commonly referred to as Masala Papad.
• As a side dish: Serve papad alongside Indian meals like curries, dals, and rice.
• Crushed: Crumble papad over salads or soups for added texture and flavor.

With these simple tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to making perfectly crispy papad every time. So go ahead, experiment with different methods and find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile and delicious Indian snack! Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy the process of making and savor the satisfying crunch of your homemade crispy papad.