Fafda is a popular and savory Gujarati snack made from gram flour (besan), seasoned with spices like turmeric, asafoetida, and carom seeds. The dough is prepared by mixing besan with hot oil and water, then rolled into thin strips. These strips are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Fafda is often served with chutneys like green chutney or paired with sweet treats like jalebi. It’s a delicious and crunchy snack enjoyed during festivals, celebrations, or as a teatime treat.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making fafda at home:
Ingredients:
For Fafda:
- 2 cups besan (gram flour)
- 1/4 cup semolina (optional, for added crispiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (hot)
- Water, as needed
- Oil for deep frying
For Garnish (optional):
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh coriander leaves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fafda Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine besan, semolina (if using), turmeric powder, asafoetida, carom seeds, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add hot oil to the mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth, pliable dough. The dough should not be too soft or too firm.
- Rest the Dough:
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
- Divide the Dough:
- After resting, divide the dough into small portions, shaping them into balls.
- Rolling the Fafda:
- Take a portion of the dough and roll it into a long cylindrical shape on a clean surface or rolling board. The thickness should be around 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
- Sprinkle Sesame Seeds and Coriander (Optional):
- Optionally, you can sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped fresh coriander leaves on the rolled dough. Press them gently into the dough.
- Cut into Strips:
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into thin strips.
- Frying Fafda:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
- Carefully pick up the strips of fafda and slide them into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and crisp. Make sure to flip them for even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil:
- Once the fafdas are golden brown and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat for the Remaining Dough:
- Repeat the rolling and frying process for the remaining dough portions.
- Serve:
- Serve the freshly fried fafdas with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or jalebi.
Enjoy your homemade fafda!
