Kheema Papdi Chaat
A delicious twist on classic street food! Crispy papdis are loaded with savory, spiced minced lamb and drizzled with tangy chutneys, cool yogurt, and crunchy sev. An irresistible appetizer for any gathering.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Kheema Filling
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and light golden.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the mutton kheema to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any lumps and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the spices for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they soften and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of water, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the kheema is tender and the mixture is semi-dry. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and 2 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Chaat Toppings
- In a small bowl, whisk the curd until it is completely smooth and creamy. For a slightly sweet taste, you can add a pinch of sugar. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Ensure your green chutney, tamarind chutney, finely chopped onion for garnish, nylon sev, and chaat masala are all ready for quick assembly.
Assemble and Garnish
- Just before serving, arrange 6 papdis on each of the 4 serving plates.
- Carefully spoon a generous amount of the warm kheema mixture onto each papdi.
- Drizzle the chilled, whisked curd over the kheema, followed by drizzles of green chutney and tamarind chutney according to your preference.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped onions and a generous layer of nylon sev over the top for crunch.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of chaat masala and garnish with the remaining fresh coriander leaves.
Serve Immediately
- Serve the Kheema Papdi Chaat immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of warm kheema, cool yogurt, and crispy papdi.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the kheema is cooked down to a semi-dry consistency. Excess moisture will make the papdis soggy very quickly.
- 2Assemble the chaat just before you plan to serve it to maintain the crispiness of the papdi and sev.
- 3The kheema filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before assembling the chaat.
- 4For a richer flavor, cook the kheema in ghee instead of oil.
- 5Chilling the yogurt before drizzling provides a pleasant temperature contrast against the warm kheema.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the mutton kheema with crumbled paneer, soya granules, or a mixture of mashed potatoes and green peas for a delicious vegetarian version.
Leaner MeatLeaner Meat
Use minced chicken or turkey for a lower-fat alternative to lamb. Adjust cooking time as these meats cook faster.
Extra ToppingsExtra Toppings
Add a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for a sweet and juicy burst of flavor, or add some boiled and diced potatoes along with the kheema.
Different BaseDifferent Base
Instead of papdis, you can serve the kheema mixture over crispy katoris (flour cups), samosas, or even toasted bread slices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The minced lamb (kheema) is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
Lamb is a great source of heme iron, a type of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The use of curd (yogurt) as a topping provides beneficial probiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome, aid digestion, and boost the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Kheema Papdi Chaat is a flavorful and indulgent snack. While it contains protein and iron from the lamb and probiotics from the yogurt, the papdis are typically fried, and the chutneys can contain sugar. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.