Cheese Dabeli: A Delicious And Cheesy Take On Gujarati Dabeli
Image Credit: cheese dabeli/ pinterest.com

Originating in the state of Gujarat, dabeli is a delicious snack that is made with a special blend of spices, mashed potatoes, and a variety of toppings, all sandwiched between a soft, buttery bun. The dish is a unique fusion of flavours and textures, combining the sweetness of tamarind chutney with the spiciness of green chilli paste and the crunch of roasted peanuts. The name "dabeli" is derived from the Gujarati word "dabba," which means box, and refers to the small, square-shaped buns that are used to make the dish. The history of dabeli can be traced back to the 1960s, when a street vendor in the city of Mandvi, Gujarat, started selling a dish called "Kutchi dabeli". The dish was an instant hit and soon became a popular snack throughout the region.

Over the years, dabeli has evolved to include a wide variety of fillings and toppings, ranging from pomegranate seeds to crispy sev, a popular Indian snack made from chickpea flour. Today, dabeli can be found on the streets of cities across India and has even made its way onto the menus of high-end restaurants around the world. Its popularity is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of India and its ability to create unique and delicious dishes that capture the imagination of people around the world.

Cheese dabeli is a mouth-watering variation of classic Indian street food. As the name suggests, it is made by adding a generous amount of grated cheese to the filling of mashed potatoes, tamarind chutney, and spices, which are then sandwiched between the soft, buttery buns that are a hallmark of this beloved snack. The mashed potatoes provide a soft and fluffy base, while the garlic and tamarind-date chutneys add a zingy burst of flavour that might tingle your taste buds right away. The spices, such as cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder, combined with the creamy tanginess of the cheese add a hint of warmth and complexity, making the cheese dabeli a truly unique and flavorful eating experience.

cheese dabeli/ pinterest.com

Ingredients

  • 4 soft buns (dabeli buns or pav buns)
  • 2 cups boiled and mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or any other variety)
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup crispy sev
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind-date chutney
  • 2 tablespoons of garlic chutney
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Dabeli masala (optional)
  • Butter for toasting buns

Method

  • Heat oil in a pan and add mashed potatoes. Cook for a few minutes, then add salt and Dabeli masala (if using). Mix well and keep aside.
  • In another pan, add crumbled paneer and grated cheese. Cook until the cheese melts and combines with the paneer. Keep aside.
  • Cut the buns horizontally into two halves and toast them with butter on a pan until they are golden brown.
  • Spread garlic chutney on one side of the bun and tamarind-date chutney on the other side.
  • Add the cooked mashed potatoes on one half of the bun, followed by the cheese and paneer mixture.
  • Sprinkle some roasted peanuts and crispy sev on top.
  • Close the bun with the other half and press it gently to seal the filling.
  • Heat the dabeli on a pan for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt further.
  • Serve hot with some more crispy sev on top.