How to Make Garlic Papad and Where to Use It

While the sources don’t provide a recipe for making garlic papad from scratch, they offer ample information on how to prepare and use store-bought papad. Making papad from scratch is a complex process, but readily available papad can be enjoyed easily. Let’s explore how to prepare and enjoy garlic papad:

Preparing Garlic Papad:

• Frying: The most common method is deep-frying. Heat oil in a pan. Gently slide the papad into the hot oil. It will puff up quickly. Flip it over and cook for a few seconds until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
• Roasting: For a healthier option, roast the papad directly over an open flame. Use tongs to hold the papad over the flame, turning frequently, until it puffs and becomes crispy. Be careful not to burn it. Alternatively, some sources mentioned microwave. Put papad in microwave and cook it for a few seconds.
• Microwaving: A quick and convenient method. Place the papad on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for a few seconds until it puffs and crisps. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become hard.

Serving and Culinary Uses of Garlic Papad:

• Standalone Snack: Enjoy garlic papad straight out of the pan/microwave with a cup of tea or coffee. The crispy texture and savory garlic flavor make it a satisfying treat any time of day.
• Accompaniment to Meals: Garlic papad complements a wide range of Indian dishes. Serve it alongside dal, curries, rice, or biryani for added crunch and flavor. It’s especially delicious with curd rice.
• Papad Chaat: Crush papad into smaller pieces and use them as a topping for chaat, a popular Indian street food. The added crunch elevates the chaat’s texture and taste.
• In Salads: For a unique twist, crumble roasted or fried papad over salads for added texture and a savory element.
• Roll Wrappers/Tacos: Larger papad can be used as wrappers for rolls, wraps, or even tacos, offering a gluten-free and flavorful alternative to traditional wraps.
• Pizza Base: Use flattened papad as a base for mini pizzas. Top with your favorite pizza ingredients and bake or microwave until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Sandwich Layer: Add a layer of roasted papad to sandwiches for a surprising crunch.
• Appetizer with Dips and Toppings: Serve garlic papad as an appetizer with coriander chutney or other dips. Top with chopped tomatoes, onions, chili, or a sprinkle of chaat masala for extra flavor and spice.

General Information about Papad:

Papad, also known as papadum, is a thin, crispy Indian wafer made from various flours, including lentils (urad dal), chickpeas, rice, or potato. It is a versatile food enjoyed throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The addition of garlic adds a distinct savory note, making garlic papad a popular choice.

While store-bought papad is convenient, making papad from scratch involves preparing a dough with the chosen flour, spices, and seasonings, then rolling it out thinly and drying it before frying or roasting. This process requires specific techniques and ingredients, which is why most people prefer to buy ready-made papad.

Whether you choose to fry, roast, or microwave, garlic papad is a delightful and versatile snack or accompaniment that adds a unique touch to various dishes. Enjoy it as a simple snack, a crunchy side to your meal, or get creative and incorporate it into different recipes.