Papadum, also known as papad or appalam, is a popular Indian snack made from lentil, chickpea, black gram or rice flour. It is a thin, crispy wafer that is often served as an accompaniment to meals or as an appetizer. Papadum can be fried, roasted or even microwaved to achieve its signature texture and taste.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking papadum to perfection.

To begin, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Papadum
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt (optional)

Here are the steps to cook papadum:

  1. Preheat your frying pan or deep fryer on medium heat. If you prefer to roast or microwave, skip this step.
  2. If you are frying, add enough oil to cover the papadum in the pan.
  3. Place one papadum at a time into the hot oil. It should start to puff up and turn golden within a few seconds.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, carefully flip the papadum over and cook for a few more seconds until it is crispy.
  5. Remove the papadum from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
  6. If you prefer to roast, place the papadum on a preheated tawa or skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for a few seconds until it is crispy.
  7. If you prefer to microwave, place the papadum on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for about 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  8. Season the cooked papadum with a pinch of salt if desired.
  9. Repeat the process with the remaining papadum.

Now you know how to cook papadum using different methods! Serve these delicious crispy wafers with your favorite chutney, pickle or as an accompaniment to your meals.

Step-by-step guide

Follow these simple steps to learn how to cook papadum:

  1. Preparation

    Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment:

    • Papadum
    • Oil for frying
    • A frying pan
  2. Heat the oil

    Place the frying pan on medium heat and add oil. Allow it to heat for a few minutes until it’s hot enough for frying.

  3. Frying the papadum

    Gently drop the papadum into the hot oil. It will start to puff up almost immediately. Use a slotted spoon to flip it over and cook the other side until it turns golden brown.

  4. Drain and serve

    Remove the cooked papadum from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve it hot and crispy as a side dish or appetizer.

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Enjoy your homemade papadum!

Ingredients you’ll need

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to cook papadum:

  • 1 cup of urad dal flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida
  • 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • Oil, for deep frying

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking papadum.

Preparation

Before you begin cooking papadum, it is important to properly prepare the ingredients and equipment. Here are the steps for a successful preparation:

1. Gather all the necessary ingredients: papadum, oil for frying, and salt.

2. Heat up a frying pan or deep-fryer with enough oil to submerge the papadum.

3. While the oil is heating, place the papadum on a clean and dry surface, such as a cutting board or plate.

4. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the papadum. This will enhance its flavor.

5. Take a small bowl of water and lightly wet your fingers. Gently rub the water over the papadum’s surface. This will help the salt stick to the papadum.

6. Flip the papadum over and repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other side.

7. Once the oil is hot enough (approximately 180°C or 350°F), carefully place the prepared papadum into the oil.

8. Fry the papadum for about 20 seconds on each side until it turns golden brown and gets crispy.

9. Once fried, remove the papadum from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon.

10. Place the fried papadums on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

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Your papadum is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Cooking methods

There are a few different methods for cooking papadum, each yielding slightly different results. Here are some popular methods:

Stovetop:

To cook papadum on the stovetop, begin by heating a flat frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Place the papadum in the pan and let it cook for about 30 seconds on each side. Flip it over using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking. The papadum should puff up and become crispy. Remove from the heat and let it cool before serving.

Oven:

If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (180°C). Place the papadum on a baking sheet and bake for around 3-4 minutes, or until it puffs up and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool before serving.

Both stovetop and oven cooking methods result in crispy and delicious papadum. You can choose the method that works best for you based on personal preference and convenience. Enjoy your homemade papadum!

Serving suggestions

Once your papadums are cooked and ready to serve, you can get creative with your serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas:

  • Traditional accompaniments: Serve papadums with a variety of chutneys, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or mango chutney. These can be store-bought or homemade.
  • Raita dip: Pair papadums with a cooling raita dip made from yogurt, cucumber, mint, and spices. This will balance the heat of the papadums and add a refreshing element to your meal.
  • Serve as an appetizer: Papadums make a great appetizer, either on their own or with a dipping sauce. They can be served alongside other Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, or kebabs.
  • As a side dish: Papadums can also be served as a side dish with your main meal. They can be a crispy accompaniment to curries, biryanis, or any other Indian dishes.
  • Papadum wraps: Get creative and use papadums as a base for wraps or rolls. Top them with your favorite fillings such as grilled veggies, paneer, or chicken tikka. Roll them up and enjoy!
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Remember, papadums are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite serving combinations!

FAQ

What is papadum?

Papadum is a thin, crisp disc-shaped Indian bread made from lentil, chickpea, rice, or potato flour.

How is papadum made?

Papadum is made by mixing the flour with water and spices to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out and dried in the sun or baked until it becomes crisp.

What spices can be added to papadum?

Common spices added to papadum include cumin, black pepper, chilli powder, turmeric, and garlic powder. The choice of spices can vary depending on personal preference.

Can papadum be cooked in a microwave?

Yes, papadum can be cooked in a microwave. Simply place the papadum on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it puffs up and becomes crispy.

What are some serving suggestions for papadum?

Papadum can be served as an accompaniment to Indian dishes such as curries, dal, or rice. It can also be enjoyed as a snack with chutney or pickles.

What is papadum and where does it come from?

Papadum is a thin, crispy Indian wafer traditionally made from lentil, chickpea, or rice flour. It is a popular accompaniment to Indian meals and is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Can you cook papadum in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook papadum in the microwave. Simply place a papadum on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until it becomes crispy. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can turn out too hard or burnt.