How to Cook Poppadoms 4 Methods!
Poppadoms or papad are a classic Indian starter much loved in the British Indian restaurant scene, cooking them is obscenely easy. I provide instructions here for 4 different methods.
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 98kcal
Ingredients
- 4 Uncooked Poppadoms
- Oil for Frying or Brushing
Instructions
To Fry:
- Heat 1cm (~½") of neutral cooking oil in a 28cm (11") frying pan over a medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, pinch off a piece of poppadom and drop it in the oil. If it immediately crisps, you are good to go!
- Add a poppadom and, using a combination of a fish slice and some tongs, flatten it out as it expands.
- Flip the poppadom after 5 or 6 seconds, then flip and cook for a final 2-3 seconds.
- Transfer to some kitchen paper to drain whilst you cook the rest.
To Microwave:
- Brush the poppadom with oil. This is optional; you can cook using this method without oil if you wish.
- Add the poppadom to the microwave and cook for between 20 and 35 seconds. Keep an eye on the poppadom and flip it over if parts do not appear to be cooking.
To Oven Bake:
- Heat the oven as hot as it will get; if you have a fan option, use that too.
- Brush the poppadom with oil. This is optional; you can cook using this method without oil if you wish.
- Place the poppadoms on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, and put them in the oven. Cook for 75-90 seconds. Keep an eye on the poppadom and flip them if they look like they need it.
To Cook Over an Open Flame:
- Turn on a gas burner or prepare your blow torch.
- Brush the poppadom with oil. This is optional; you can cook using this method without oil if you wish, but it increases the risk of burning.
- Using metal tongs, heat the poppadom over the flame or pass the blow torch over the surface at a distance of around 10-12cm (4-5"). Keep the poppadom moving and avoid any sections that are browning.
- This method takes some practice and is a "showy technique" rather than one that returns reliable results.
Video
Notes
The methods are listed in order of my preferred way of cooking, with the first two being the very best in my opinion!
The calorific value refers to a single portion of 2 fried poppadoms per person... yes, I'm greedy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
