Rajasthani Poppadum Curry

Rajasthani Poppadum Curry

Rajasthani Poppadum Curry

Papads(or poppadum in the U.K.) are very thin lentil flatbreads, about the size of a tortilla. They are either fried or roasted and used as an accompaniment to meals. They come in many flavors and variations from region to region throughout India. In the region of Rajasthan, they are used in curries.
What this curry reminds me of is corn tortillas absorbing enchilada sauce, but with Indian flavors. The papads soak up the curry and soften, but still have a firmness to them. The curry sauce is very rich from the yogurt with strong savory flavors from the ginger garlic paste, coriander, cumin, chili and turmeric powders. You could almost just eat this right out of the pan. But don’t. Serve with steamed rice.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Indian, main course, South Asian, vegetarian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • Food processor or immersion blender

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida
  • 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 green bird’s eye chili finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp kashmiri chili powder
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup water
  • salt to taste
  • 5 poppadum

Garnish

  • cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Mix together the ginger garlic paste and green chilies. Set aside.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • In a blender or food processor, purée the tomato and tomato paste. Set aside.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Heat up cooking oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Sizzle the cumin seeds and asafoetida for 30 seconds.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Add in the ginger garlic chili paste and fry for 1 minute.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Add in the tomato purée and fry for 6 minutes.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Add in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and Kashmiri chili powder. Fry for 1 minute.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Slowly whisk in the Greek yogurt. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Pour in the water and season with salt. Simmer for 8 minutes.
    Indian, main course, fish
  • While the curry is simmering, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the poppadum on a rack.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Bake for 3-4 minutes.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Break up the poppadum into chunks and toss in the curry sauce. Cover and simmer for just 2 minutes.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
  • Garnish with cilantro.
    Indian, main course, vegetarian
Indian, main course, vegetarian