Papdi Lot in Tamarind and Spiced Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Gujarati curry featuring crunchy papdi (dried chickpeas) simmered in a tangy tamarind and aromatic spice gravy. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 65 minutes pairs tamarind paste, mustard seeds, cumin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 1 cup soaked papdi and rinse well. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida, sautéing until the seeds pop and aroma develops.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir for 30 seconds, then add 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp jaggery, and 3 cups water. Mix well and bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Add the rinsed papdi to the boiling gravy, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the papdi are soft and the gravy thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Papdi Lot in Tamarind and Spiced Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Papdi Lot in Tamarind and Spiced Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Papdi Lot in Tamarind and Spiced Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Papdi Lot in Tamarind and Spiced Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Papdi Lot in Tamarind and Spiced Gravy?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes