If you’ve ever indulged in Indian chaat, you know there’s nothing quite like the explosion of flavors and textures. Among these culinary masterpieces stands the mighty Raj Kachori – a crispy, puffed shell generously stuffed with flavorful ingredients, chutneys, yogurt, and crunchy toppings. In this blog, we’ll show you how to recreate this festive delicacy in your kitchen.
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What is Raj Kachori?
Often called the “king of kachoris,” Raj Kachori is a popular North Indian street snack known for its large, crisp puri filled with a delightful medley of boiled legumes, vegetables, sweet and spicy chutneys, and crunchy garnishes. It’s a dish commonly served during festivals, special occasions, or simply as a treat when you’re craving chaat with a twist.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare authentic Raj Kachori at home, you’ll need two main components: the kachori shell and the chaat fillings. Here’s a quick breakdown:
For the Kachori Dough:
- Fine semolina (rava) – 1 cup
- Whole wheat flour – 3 tablespoons
- Besan (gram flour) – 2 tablespoons
- Red chili powder – ¼ tsp
- Fennel powder – ¼ tsp
- Black pepper powder – a pinch
- Baking soda – a pinch
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Oil – 1 tsp for mixing
- Water – as needed
For the Filling:
- Boiled potatoes – diced
- Boiled chana (chickpeas)
- Boiled moong sprouts or green moong
- Sweet tamarind chutney
- Green mint-coriander chutney
- Beaten curd (yogurt)
- Papdi (crushed)
- Sev
- Boondi
- Pomegranate seeds
- Chaat masala, cumin powder, red chili powder, black salt
- Fresh coriander – chopped
How to Make Raj Kachori – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining fine semolina, whole wheat flour, and besan in a mixing bowl. Add spices, salt, baking soda, and a teaspoon of oil. Mix everything well using your fingers and add water gradually to knead into a firm dough. Let it rest covered with a moist cloth for 30 minutes.
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Step 2: Shape and Fry the Kachoris
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into medium-sized discs, about 4–5 inches in diameter. Make sure they’re not too thick or too thin. Heat oil in a kadai for deep frying and gently slide the rolled dough into the hot oil. Fry until the kachoris puff up and turn crisp and golden brown. Set aside on paper towels.
Step 3: Assemble the Chaat
Once the kachoris cool slightly, create a hole at the top. Begin filling with layers of boiled chana, potatoes, moong sprouts, and spoonfuls of curd. Drizzle with both chutneys. Sprinkle crushed papdi, sev, boondi, and spices. Top it off with pomegranate seeds and chopped coriander.
Tips for Perfect Raj Kachori
- Use fine semolina to ensure crispy kachoris.
- Do not overcrowd the oil while frying.
- Prepare chutneys and boil the legumes a day ahead to save time.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Raj Kachori isn’t just a snack – it’s an experience! It balances sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory notes while combining a satisfying crunch with creamy and soft textures. It’s also customizable, so you can adjust the spice levels or toppings to your liking.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve Raj Kachori with extra yogurt and chutneys on the side for guests to add as they please. It pairs well with a refreshing glass of masala chaas or a chilled mango lassi.
FAQs About Raj Kachori Recipe
Q. Can I make the kachori shells in advance?
Yes, you can fry the kachoris ahead and store them in an airtight container for 1–2 weeks.
Q. Can I bake instead of frying the kachoris?
Baking is possible, but it may not achieve the same puffed texture. Frying is recommended for authenticity.
Q. Is Raj Kachori vegan?
It can be made vegan by skipping dairy-based yogurt and paneer, and using plant-based alternatives.
Q. What can I use instead of moong sprouts?
You can use black chana, white peas (matar), or even kidney beans for variation.
Q. How spicy is Raj Kachori?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can easily adjust the chutneys and spices to suit your taste.