Masala Papad(Poppadums with fresh salad)

We have starters on the menu for all occasions and relish them more than the main course.Sometimes we want to make a meal out of only starters and appetisers and eat so much of them that we do not pick much of the main course items.In summers the population of the health conscious among us want something light,which does not heat up the body and which add benefits of veggies and fruits into the course.

The following recipe is one which is extremely popular in Maharashtra and which can be made anytime of the day.We get Papads of all varieties in the markets today and this recipe needs a packet of papads along with basic veggies in the refrigerator.One thing here is that yes we need to fry the Papad but that gives you minimum calories and when it is topped with fresh salad,the nutritive content increases manifold.Lemon juice gives multiple benefits and the salad cleanses and nourishes the body.

NOTES :

This has to be had as soon as it is made as the veggies soften the crisp Papad in a short while.So when you bite into it,the mouth should revel with the crispiness of the Papad,the sharpness of the Onion,the sweetness of Tomatoes,sour Lemon Juice and tangy Chaat Masala and its a WOOOW experience altogether!
Use the big size Papads you get in the market.I use plain Urad or Moong though you can use mixed masala or Punjabi Masala as well.Bikaneri Papads can also be used!

Preparation time : 20 minutes

Makes : 3 Masala Papads

INGREDIENTS

3 plain big size Papads

1 big/2 medium Onions – chopped very finely

1 big/2 medium firm Tomatoes – chopped very finely

2 Green Chillies (optional) – chopped very finely

2 tbsp chopped Coriander Leaves – chopped very finely

1 tsp Salt or to taste

1 tbsp Lemon Juice

3 tsp Chaat Masala(1 tsp per Papad)

Oil for frying the Papad

METHOD

Fry the Papad in hot Oil till done.Do not brown it and let it have its original golden colour.Take it out on a plate lined with absorbent paper and flatten it with the frying ladle.This will absorb excess oil and flatten it out as well.Do this while the Papad is hot as once it crisps up it would crumble.

Place the flattened Papad on a serving plate.

Mix all the vegetables and Coriander leaves in a bowl.Add salt and lemon juice and mix well.