Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
There’s something magical about Indian street food—the bold flavors, the crispy textures, and the mouthwatering aroma that pulls you in. One such beloved classic is Kutchi Dabeli, a spicy, sweet, and tangy Indian sandwich that hails from the Kutch region of Gujarat. If you’ve ever craved a snack that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavors, this is it!
For us, Dabeli is more than just a snack—it’s a nostalgia-packed experience. Whether it’s munching on freshly made Dabeli at a roadside stall in India or recreating it at home, this dish never fails to bring comfort. The combination of spiced mashed potatoes, crunchy peanuts, pomegranate seeds, and Sweet Apple Butter chutney, all packed inside a buttery bun, is simply irresistible!
Table of Contents
- About Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
- Why You’ll Love Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
- Have It Your Way
- Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
About Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
Dabeli is a popular street food from Kutch, Gujarat, but its popularity has spread across India, especially in Maharashtra. It’s often compared to a spicy Indian burger, but it’s so much more than that! The key element is the special Dabeli Masala, which gives the potato filling its signature flavor.
Traditionally, street vendors prepare Dabeli by grilling the bun with butter and loading it with spiced potato filling, crunchy peanuts, sev (fried chickpea noodles), onions, and pomegranate seeds. The chutneys—Apple Butter Chutney or Tamarind-Date chutney and Cilantro Garlic chutney—add layers of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Making homemade Kutchi Dabeli is surprisingly easy. Once you have the Dabeli Masala, the rest comes together quickly!
Why You’ll Love Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
- Street food experience at home – No need to travel; bring Indian street flavors to your kitchen!
- Easy to make – Just prep the filling, assemble, and toast.
- Perfect balance of flavors – Spicy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite.
- Great for parties – Serve it as an appetizer or snack.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make authentic Kutchi Dabeli at home:
For the Potato Filling:
- Boiled & Mashed Potatoes – The heart of the filling, flavored with Dabeli Masala.
- Dabeli Masala – A blend of spices that gives Dabeli its signature taste.
- Sweet Apple Butter Chutney – Adds a sweet and tangy kick.
- Roasted Peanuts – Provides crunch and nuttiness.
- Pomegranate Seeds – Adds a juicy burst of sweetness.
- Chopped Onions – For added texture and sharpness.
- Butter or Oil – To sauté the filling.
For Assembling the Dabeli:
- Pav or Burger Buns – The soft, fluffy buns used for Dabeli.
- Green Chutney – A spicy chutney made with Cilantro and Garlic.
- Sev (Crispy Chickpea Noodles) – A crunchy topping that adds texture.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro – For freshness.
- More Butter – To toast the Dabeli for extra crispiness!
How To Make Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
Make Green Chutney
- Place all of the ingredients in a blender and mix until completely smooth. Stop in between to scrape down sides of the blender and add 1-2 tbsp of water at a time to help move things in the blender.
- Keep adding water until the blender is running smoothly and you have a thick chutney.
- Taste for spice, salt and adjust as necessary.
Make Masala Peanuts
- Heat oil in a skillet and add peanuts, red chili powder, chaat masala, Amchur Powder and salt. Roast them lightly for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat.
- Allow the peanuts to cool down completely before storing them in an airtight jar.
Potato Filling
- To a large pot, add water, salt, and potatoes. Turn on the heat, and bring it to a boil, boil until fork tender.
- Allow the potatoes to cool down and then peel the skin. Mash the Potatoes.
- In a cup mix water and Dabeli Masala. Then heat oil in a nonstick pan. Add the Dabeli Masala mixture and boil for a minute. then add Red Chili Powder and Salt to taste. Boil for another 30 secs and add mashed Potatoes and 2-3 tablespoons of Sweet Apple Butter Chutney. Mix well.
- Let Potato filling cool down and transfer it to another plate. Sprinkle some Masala Peanuts and Pomegranate Seeds.
Assemble Kutchi Dabeli
- Slice a bun in the middle without cutting all the way through.
- Spread two to three teaspoons of Green Chutney inside one half and Sweet Apple Butter Chutney inside the other half of the bun.
- Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of Potato filling over the Green chutney.
- Press down a tablespoon of peanuts, a tablespoon of diced onions, and a little cilantro over the potato filling. Close the bun pressing gently between the palm of your hands.
Grilled Kutchi Dabeli
- Preheat a pan and spread some butter over it. Place the assembled Dabeli on the pan and cook for two to three minutes on medium heat pressing them down gently with a spatula.
- Turn over and cook for two minutes, pressing gently until the bottom is golden and slightly crispy.
- Dip the 3 sides around the filling in Sev pressing gently as the Sev sticks to the potato filling. Repeat assembling with the remaining pav. Serve hot sprinkled with more of the garnish.
- Enjoy.
Have It Your Way
- Make it Vegan – Use vegan butter or oil for toasting and ensure your buns are dairy-free.
- Make it Spicier – Add extra garlic chutney for more heat.
- Customize the Filling – Add grated coconut, cashews, or even cheese for a richer taste!
- Swap the Bun – Try using whole wheat buns or even lettuce wraps for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fiber – Thanks to the potatoes, peanuts, and sev.
- Good Source of Healthy Fats – Peanuts and butter provide essential fats.
- Packed with Antioxidants – Pomegranate seeds and tamarind chutney contribute antioxidants.
- Provides Quick Energy – Perfect as a snack or light meal.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Smoky Zucchini Baba Ganoush
- Wasabi Cucumber Salad
- Zucchini Pancakes (Korean)
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Crispy Tater Tots Chaat
Kutchi Dabeli Recipe
Kutchi Dabeli is a spicy, sweet, and tangy Indian street food from Gujarat. Try this easy homemade Dabeli recipe with mashed potatoes, Dabeli masala, peanuts, pomegranate, and soft toasted buns.
Ingredients
Apple Butter Chutney
- 2 Cups Apple Butter
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tbsp Black Salt
- ½ tbsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Salt
Green Chutney
- 2 Bunches Cilantro chopped roughly, bottom 1-2 inch stems removed
- 3 cloves Garlic peeled
- 6 Green Chilis
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ Lime Juice Squeezed
- 3 tbsp Peanuts plain unsalted and skins removed
- ¼ tsp Salt to taste
- 2 Ice Cubes
- 2 tbsp Water as needed
Potato Filling
- 2 Russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 to 2 tbsp Dabeli Masala
- 1 tbsp Red Chili Powder
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
Masala Peanuts
- 1 tsp Cooking Oil
- ½ cup Peanuts
- ½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ tsp Chaat masala
- ½ tsp Amchur Powder
- ½ tsp Salt add to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup Onions finely chopped
- ¼ cup Pomegranate Seeds
- 2 tbsp Cilantro finely chopped
- ½ cup Thin Sev Nylon Sev
Instructions
Make Green Chutney
- Place all of the ingredients in a blender and mix until completely smooth. Stop in between to scrape down sides of the blender and add 1-2 tbsp of water at a time to help move things in the blender.
- Keep adding water until the blender is running smoothly and you have a thick chutney.
- Taste for spice, salt and adjust as necessary.
Make Masala Peanuts
- Heat oil in a skillet and add peanuts, red chili powder, chaat masala, Amchur Powder and salt. Roast them lightly for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat.
- Allow the peanuts to cool down completely before storing them in an airtight jar.
Potato Filling
- To a large pot, add water, salt, and potatoes. Turn on the heat, and bring it to a boil, boil until fork tender.
- Allow the potatoes to cool down and then peel the skin. Mash the Potatoes.
- In a cup mix water and Dabeli Masala. Then heat oil in a nonstick pan. Add the Dabeli Masala mixture and boil for a minute. then add Red Chili Powder and Salt to taste. Boil for another 30 secs and add mashed Potatoes and 2-3 tablespoons of Sweet Apple Butter Chutney. Mix well.
- Let Potato filling cool down and transfer it to another plate. Sprinkle some Masala Peanuts and Pomegranate Seeds.
Assemble
- Slice a bun in the middle without cutting all the way through.
- Spread two to three teaspoons of Green Chutney inside one half and Sweet Apple Butter Chutney inside the other half of the bun.
- Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of Potato filling over the Green chutney.
- Press down a tablespoon of peanuts, a tablespoon of diced onions, and a little cilantro over the potato filling. Close the bun pressing gently between the palm of your hands.
Grilled Dabeli
- Preheat a pan and spread some butter over it. Place the assembled Dabeli on the pan and cook for two to three minutes on medium heat pressing them down gently with a spatula.
- Turn over and cook for two minutes, pressing gently until the bottom is golden and slightly crispy.
- Dip the 3 sides around the filling in Sev pressing gently as the Sev sticks to the potato filling. Repeat assembling with the remaining pav. Serve hot sprinkled with more of the garnish.
Notes
- Dabeli Masala: If you can’t find store-bought Dabeli Masala, make a quick version with red chili powder, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and clove powder.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the potato filling and chutneys in advance. Just assemble and toast when ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair it with a hot cup of masala chai for the ultimate street-food experience!
Nutrition
Serving: 1DabeliCalories: 250kcal
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