Homemade Dabeli is a delicious Gujarati street-food snack made with spicy potato filling, sweet chutney, crunchy peanuts, and fresh pomegranate seeds—all stuffed inside soft pav. This recipe is easy to make, flavorful, and brings the authentic Kutchi taste right to your kitchen.
Introduction
Dabeli, also known as Kutchi Dabeli, is a popular Indian street food originating from the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is a beautiful combination of sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy flavors packed inside a soft pav. Whether you want a quick evening snack, a party appetizer, or a travel-friendly meal, Dabeli fits perfectly.
Making Dabeli at home is easier than it looks. By preparing the masala, chutneys, and stuffing step-by-step, you can enjoy a restaurant-style Dabeli that tastes even better than the roadside version. Let’s walk through the entire process in a simple and delicious way.
What Makes Dabeli Special?
Dabeli is not just a snack—it’s a flavor explosion!
Here’s why it is loved across India:
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✔ Sweet + Spicy + Tangy: A perfect balance in every bite
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✔ Creamy Texture: Soft potato filling with smooth chutneys
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✔ Crunchy Elements: Roasted peanuts, sev, and pomegranate
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✔ Street-Style Aroma: Thanks to Dabeli masala
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✔ Quick Snack: Ready in minutes once the stuffing is prepared
Ingredients Required
For Dabeli Masala
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2 tbsp coriander seeds
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1 tbsp cumin seeds
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4–5 dried red chillies
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1-inch cinnamon
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3–4 cloves
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A pinch of black pepper
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½ tsp black salt
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½ tsp sugar (optional)
For Potato Filling
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3 boiled potatoes (mashed)
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2 tbsp oil
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½ tsp mustard seeds
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1 tsp garlic paste
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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2 tbsp Dabeli masala
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¼ cup tamarind chutney
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Salt to taste
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Water as needed
For Garnish
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Masala peanuts
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Pomegranate seeds
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Nylon sev
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Chopped coriander
For Assembly
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6 pav buns
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Tamarind chutney
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Garlic chilli chutney
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Butter for toasting
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare Dabeli Masala
This is the heart of the dish.
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Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, red chillies, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper.
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Allow to cool and grind into a fine powder.
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Add black salt and sugar. Mix well.
Your homemade Dabeli masala is ready!
2. Make the Potato Filling
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Heat oil in a pan.
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Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
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Add garlic paste and sauté.
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Add onions and cook until soft.
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Add the prepared Dabeli masala and mix well.
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Add mashed potatoes, tamarind chutney, and a little water.
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Mix everything to form a smooth, thick filling.
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Garnish with masala peanuts, pomegranate, and coriander.
This filling should be slightly moist and spreadable.
3. Toast the Pav
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Slice pav buns horizontally.
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Apply butter on both sides.
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Toast lightly on a tawa until golden.
4. Assemble the Dabeli
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Spread garlic chutney on one side of pav and sweet chutney on the other.
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Add a generous spoonful of potato filling.
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Top with onions, peanuts, coriander, and pomegranate.
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Press lightly and roll the sides of pav in sev for added crunch.
Your street-style Dabeli is ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Dabeli
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Use fresh pav for the best texture.
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Homemade Dabeli masala enhances aroma and flavor.
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Don’t skip sweet chutney—Dabeli must have a sweet touch!
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Add extra peanuts if you want more crunch.
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Serve immediately after assembling to avoid sogginess.
Variations You Can Try
1. Cheese Dabeli
Add grated cheese inside before closing the pav for a creamy twist.
2. Butter-Loaded Dabeli
Toast pav with extra butter for a rich street-style flavor.
3. Jain Dabeli
Skip garlic and onion. Use extra chutney and masala to balance flavor.
4. Healthy Dabeli
Use whole wheat buns and air-fry peanuts instead of roasting in oil.
Why Homemade Dabeli Is Better?
While street Dabeli is delicious, making it at home gives you full control over:
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Hygiene
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Freshness
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Oil quantity
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Spice level
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Custom flavors
You can adjust the masala, sweetness, tanginess, and crunch to match your taste perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Dabeli pairs wonderfully with:
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Hot masala chai
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Cold drinks
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Mint chutney
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Fried masala peanuts
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A simple salad on the side
Great for:
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Evening snacks
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Get-togethers
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Kids’ lunch box
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Party starters
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Travel food (assemble later)
Storage Tips
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Dabeli masala stays fresh for 1–2 months in an airtight jar.
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Sweet and garlic chutneys stay good for 1 week in the fridge.
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Prepare potato filling only when needed for freshness.
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Assemble only before eating to maintain crunch.
Conclusion
Homemade Dabeli is a wonderful dish that brings the authentic flavors of Gujarat right to your home. The combination of spicy masala, sweet chutney, crunchy peanuts, and soft pav makes every bite unforgettable. With a little preparation and the right ingredients, you can recreate delicious Kutchi Dabeli that tastes just like your favorite street stall.
Try this recipe once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s quick, flavourful, and absolutely irresistible!
