Khandvi
Khandvi is a popular savory snack from Gujarat, India, made from gram flour (besan) and yogurt. Thin, diamond-shaped sheets are cooked, then rolled into bite-sized cylinders and tempered with spices. It requires a delicate touch and practice to achieve the signature paper-thin texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100 g Besan (gram flour)(Sifted for a smoother batter.)
- 200 g Plain Yogurt(Full-fat yogurt works best for richness. Ensure it's smooth.)
- 400 ml Water(Adjust to achieve a thin, pourable batter.)
- 1 tbsp Ginger-chili paste(Adjust to your spice preference. Can use finely grated ginger and green chilies.)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt(Essential for flavor balance.)
- 1 tbsp Oil(For greasing the surface and for tempering.)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds(For tempering.)
- 8-10 Curry leaves(For tempering, adds aroma.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coconut(Finely grated, for garnish.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(Finely chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted besan, yogurt, water, ginger-chili paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Ensure there are absolutely no lumps. The batter should be thin and smooth, similar to pancake batter. You can use a whisk or a blender for this. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Cook the batter: Heat a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Pour the batter into the pot. Stir continuously with a whisk or spatula, ensuring you scrape the bottom and sides to prevent sticking and lumps. The mixture will gradually thicken. Continue cooking and stirring for about 15-20 minutes, until the batter becomes very thick and starts to leave the sides of the pan, resembling a smooth, cohesive mass. The consistency should be like a very thick paste.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Spread the mixture: Lightly grease a flat surface, such as a large metal tray, a baking sheet, or a clean countertop, with oil. Immediately pour the hot cooked mixture onto the greased surface. Using an oiled spatula or the back of a greased bowl, spread the mixture as thinly and evenly as possible. Aim for a paper-thin layer. Work quickly as the mixture cools and thickens.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cut and roll: Allow the spread mixture to cool slightly for about 5-7 minutes, until it's firm enough to handle but still warm. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, score the sheet into desired shapes (squares or diamonds). Then, carefully peel the edges and roll them up tightly into small cylinders. If the mixture has cooled too much and become brittle, you can gently warm it with a damp cloth underneath the tray.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Temper the Khandvi: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Pour this tempering mixture evenly over the rolled Khandvi.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the grated fresh coconut and chopped fresh cilantro over the tempered Khandvi. Serve immediately or chilled.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to success is achieving a smooth, lump-free batter and cooking it to the right consistency. It should be thick enough to spread but not dry.
- ✓Spreading the mixture thinly and evenly is crucial for the delicate texture of Khandvi. Work quickly while the mixture is hot.
- ✓Rolling the Khandvi while it's still warm is essential. If it cools completely, it will become brittle and difficult to roll.
- ✓Practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. The technique takes a few tries to master.
- ✓Ensure your spreading surface is well-greased to prevent the mixture from sticking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate toasted sesame seeds into the tempering or as a garnish.
- Add a touch of garlic paste to the ginger-chili paste for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of green chilies in the paste.