Indian street food recipes: Babru

By Nandini Bhushan

Street food in India is a vibrant and integral part of culinary culture, offering diverse flavours, textures and aromas. The rich journey of Indian street food varies widely from region to region, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary tradition. From east to west and north to south, every corner offers its own unique street food made with locally available ingredients. Cheap and easily available, these street foods are consumed by millions.

Also try: Indian street food recipes: Nagori Halwa

Babru

Babru is a traditional Himachali flatbread often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack. It is traditionally made with a filling of black gram paste and served with yoghurt or chutney.

Ingredients 

(Makes about 8 to 10 medium-sized Babru)

For the dough 

Wheat flour: 2 cups

Salt: ¼ tsp

Oil or ghee: 1 tsp

For the filling 

Urad dal: ½ cup ( soaked overnight)

Cumin seed: ½ tsp

Hing: ¼ tsp

Red chilli powder: ½ tsp

Coriander powder: ½ tsp

Salt to taste

Oil for frying 

Step 1

To prepare the dough, combine whole wheat flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water to knead a soft dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for half an hour.

Step 2

For the stuffing coarsely grind the soaked urad dal without adding water.

Step 3

Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. To this add dal paste, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, hing and salt. Cook the mixture until it becomes dry and aromatic. Let it cool.

Step 4

Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place a small portion of the stuffing in the centre. Seal the edges and gently roll them.

Step 5

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully slide the puri and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 6

Serve Babru hot with tamarind chutney or yoghurt for an authentic Himachali experience.