Tokri Chaat with Pastry Baskets

Fri, 20 December 2024

Ingredients

For the Pastry Baskets:

· 1 packet of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)

· Oil or melted butter (for brushing)

· Muffin tin or small ovenproof bowls

For the Chaat Filling:

· 1 cup boiled and diced potatoes

· 1 cup boiled chickpeas (or canned, rinsed)

· ½ cup finely chopped onions

· ½ cup finely chopped tomatoes

· ½ cup plain yogurt, whisked

· 3-4 tbsp tamarind chutney

· 2-3 tbsp green chutney

· 1 tsp chaat masala

· ½ tsp roasted cumin powder

· ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)

· Salt to taste

For Garnishing:

· Sev (crispy chickpea noodles)

· Pomegranate seeds

· Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Baskets

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Shape the Baskets:

o Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface.

o Cut circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups or the bowls you’ll use as moulds.

o Grease the back of the muffin tin or bowls lightly with oil or butter.

o Place each pastry circle over the back of the moulds and gently press to form basket shapes.

3. Brush and Bake:

o Lightly brush the pastry with oil or melted butter to enhance crispness.

o Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

4. Cool and Remove:

o Let the baskets cool completely before carefully removing them from the moulds.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix boiled potatoes, boiled chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes.

2. Season with chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Toss well.

Step 3: Assemble the Tokri Chaat

1. Take a baked pastry basket and fill it halfway with the potato-chickpea mixture.

2. Drizzle 1–2 teaspoons each of tamarind chutney and green chutney over the filling.

3. Add a spoonful of whisked yogurt for creaminess.

Step 4: Garnish

1. Top generously with sev for crunch.

2. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and fresh coriander leaves for a pop of colour and flavour.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately to keep the pastry baskets crispy. Enjoy the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, sweet, and savoury flavours!