How Many Of These Crispy Indian Snacks Have You Tried?

Maharashtra is a state that is known for its rich cultural legacy. The culinary culture in the state is quite extensive and inclusive. The use of indigenous spices and ingredients gives it a freshness, a flavour profile that is quite distinct from the cuisines from other parts of the country.  

While traditional Marathi food, the dishes that each region is famous for, can be pretty delightful, nothing beats the allure of crispy Maharashtrian snacks. These can be served up with tea or in-between meals, and some of these are household favourites, much loved by kids and adults alike. Let us take a look at some of these Maharashtrian snacks that you must try.

Kothimbir Vadi: The Kothimbir Vadi is a deep-fried, delicious tea-time snack that packs flavours into every bite. Made from gram flour and chopped-up coriander leaves with peanuts, sesame, and spices for flavour, the Kothimbir Vadi is one of the best-loved snacks in the state. Serve it up steaming hot with a spicy Solapuri peanut chutney, and enjoy the crunch.

Shankarpali: Shankarpali are tiny fried biscuits that can be sweet or savoury, depending on your choice. Shankarpali is made from refined flour (maida), semolina (sooji), salt, powdered sugar, and ghee. These small flaky, deep-fried snacks are traditionally made for festive occasions such as Diwali, but most households make them round the year because they are a versatile tea-time snack.  

Patrode: Patrode, also referred to as Patrodo or Alu Vadi, is one of the best snacks from the Malvan region. It is made by stuffing Colocasia, or Arbi leaves, with spiced potato, dipped in chickpea batter, and deep-fried. The softness of the Colocasia leaves, the spice in the potato, and the crispy shell make this snack irresistible. Serve with dry garlic coconut chutney to enjoy this rich, crunchy snack.

Thalipeeth: Thalipeeth is definitely the best Maharashtrian food that can double up as a snack and as an entrée. Stock up on the multigrain Thalipeeth Bhajani multigrain flour from an authentic Maharashtrian food store like Aazol Foods. The Thalipeeth is a fried flatbread with chopped onions, spices, and white sesame, making for a yummy mid-meal snack.

Rice chakli: The authentic Maharashtrian rice chakli is similar to the murukku that is made in southern India, but the use of sesame seeds, cumin, and coriander seeds and spices gives it a distinct flavour. This crisp deep, fried snack is one that you cannot stop munching on.