Authentic Fafda Recipe

Homemade Happiness: Gujarati Fafda Recipe to Tingle Your Taste Buds

What if we tell you that the soul of a culture can be packed in a single snack? Yes, it's true with Fafda! Originating from Gujarat, it is a golden brown snack that holds a special place in everyone's heart for its simple yet sophisticated flavours and humble yet delectable taste, showcasing the affluent tapestry of Gujarati traditions. 

If you are wondering, what exactly is Fafda? Primarily made with chickpea flour (besan) and an array of aromatic spices, the Fafda recipe blends the art of cooking with its robust spicy, and savoury flavours. However, the good news is that you don't have to go to Gujarat to try this crunchy delight. You can easily make it at home! 

Whether it is a festive get-together with your friends and family or a simple and light snack for your next road trip, this crispy strip filled with the goodness of flavours promises to be your ideal companion. Serve it with tangy mint and coriander sauce or green chillies pickle to add a generous contrast to the crackling texture on the plate. So, collect the ingredients, wear your apron, and transport yourself to the streets of Gujarat! 

How To Make Fafda at Home?

While it may seem impossible at first, with the correct ingredients and methods, you can recreate the mouth-watering flavours of Gujarat in your own kitchen in less than an hour. 

Ingredients for Preparing Fafda

With the following measurements, you can easily make Fafda for 4 people. If you use some alternative ingredients, you can still follow the same recipe. 

Listed below are the ingredients you will need to gather before starting to cook Fafda.

• 2 cups of chickpea flour (besan) to add crisp texture and nutty flavour
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi) for an organic vibrant yellow colour
• ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder for a pinch of spice
• ¼ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain) to add distinct flavour and enhance the overall taste
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing) to give a subtle umami flavour to the dish (optional)
• Salt as per taste to balance the comprehensive flavours of the snack
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda to aerate the batter and give crispy texture
• 2 tablespoons of oil to bind all the ingredients together
• ¾ to 1 cup water to form a smooth texture and achieve the right consistency
• Oil, vegetable, peanut, or olive oil for deep frying the Fafda

Gujarati Fafda Recipe

Let’s look at the step-by-step process of making Fafda at home: 

Step 1: Preparing the Fafda Batter

In a large bowl, add chickpea flour, carom seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida, salt, baking powder, and oil. Mix all the dry Fafda ingredients. Now, gradually add water to the dry ingredients and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, aiming for a soft and smooth texture. Once the dough is ready, coat the dough with oil, cover it with a moist piece of cloth, and allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes. The resting will ferment the batter. 

Step 2: Shaping the Fafda 

After 20 to 30 minutes, knead the dough again for a minute to ensure it is soft and smooth. Take a ball-sized portion of the dough and roll it between your palms to give it a cylindrical shape. Place the dough on the wooden board or surface and stick one side of the dough on the board. Next, gently flatten the dough using your palms in the forward direction to form a thin strip. Ensure the thickness of the strips; it should neither be too thin that it breaks nor too thick that it loses its crunch. Repeat the same process until you get the desired number of strips. 

Step 3: Frying the Fafda

Take a deep frying pan or kadhai, pour the oil, and heat the oil over medium-high flame. To check the temperature of the oil, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it rises above, then it’s ready to use. Now, carefully scrape off the Fafda using a knife without breaking the strip. Place only 3-4 strips in the kadhai, depending on the size of the Fafda and kadhai. 

Fry the strips in batches to maintain the consistent crunch and texture; however, avoid overcrowding to get undercooked strips. Flip them occasionally, keeping the heat on medium flame.  Remove the Fafda from the oil when they are golden brown and crisp. You can place them on tissue paper to remove extra oil. 

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy 

Serve the crunchy, delightful strips of Fafda to savour the rich flavour and aroma of spices. You can pair it with refreshing coriander and mint chutney, papaya sambharo, or tamarind sauce for a tangy and sweet taste or green chilli pickle. 

Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped coriander leaves to enhance the presentation, adding a dash of colour to the serving plate. 

Final Reflection 

Fafda is more than a simple Gujarati snack; it is a ritual and a tradition deeply rooted in its simplicity and flavours. This versatile snack can be enjoyed with various accompaniments, from creamy yoghurt to tangy sauces, elevating the overall snacking experience. So, suppose you are looking for a savoury snack for your next kitty party or a dish for your kid’s tiffin box. In that case, Fafda is a perfect option for an undeniable taste, leaving a lasting impression on everyone’s palates. 

FAQs

Can I make Fafda ahead of time and store it for later use? 

Yes, you can make Fafda ahead of time. Fry them until it’s golden brown and crunchy. Once fried, cool them completely before storing them in our air container. 

Can I make Gujarati Fafda without deep frying?

Deep frying is a traditional method of cooking Fafda for cooking Fafda; however, you can bake them or cook them in an air fryer for a healthy alternative. Remember, baking them may not deliver the same taste and texture as the deep-fried ones. 

Can I use wheat flour instead of chickpea flour for Fafda?

Yes, wheat flour is a good alternative to chickpea flour for diet-conscious food lovers.