Fafda is a popular Gujarati snack with besan (chickpea) flour and spices. It is a crispy and savory snack that you can enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Fafda Jalebi:
Traditionally, fafda and jalebi are served as a breakfast on Dussera. Savory fafda and sweet jalebi are the delicious combos that you can find in every corner of Ahmadabad. I prepared the fafda at home today since it is raining here I crave for something hot, crunchy, and savory snack. It tastes similar to the bhaji but it is slightly crunchy with a flavor of ajwain.
Smart Cooking Tips:
- Add water little by little and knead a dough. Kneading the dough for at least 5 minutes is important. Apply oil on your hands while kneading this helps to avoid the dough from sticking to your hand.
- Shaping the fafda needs little practice but it is not that difficult to do.
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Deep fry over a medium heat to avoid the fafda getting burned.
Fafda Chutney:
Fafda chutney is a quick side dish with chickpea flour, curd, or lemon juice and spices. It is traditionally served with Fafda, Gathiya, and Cholafali.
- Combine the chickpea flour, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt and mix well. Add enough amount of water just to cover the flour and whisk well. Keep aside.
- Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan, add the mustard seeds and let it crackle.
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Add the green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, asafoetida and mix well.
- Add the besan mixture, sugar and mix well. Cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously.
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Add the lemon juice and mix well. Serve immediately with fafda.

Fafda is a popular Gujarati snack with besan (chickpea) flour and spices. It is a crispy savory snack that you can enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- 1 cup Besan (Chickpea Flour)
- 0.25 tsp Ajwain
- 0.50 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.50 tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 0.25 tsp Baking Soda
- 2 tbsp Oil (for dough)
- 1 cup Oil (for frying)
- 0.25 cup water (for kneading dough)
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In a wide bowl, add besan flour, salt, ajwain, black pepper powder, turmeric powder, baking soda, oil and mix well.
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Add water gradually 1 tbsp at a time and knead for five minutes until the dough is soft, smooth and shiny. Cover and set the dough for 15 to 20 mins.
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Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into a cylindrical shape.
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Apply oil on your palms to avoid the dough from sticking. Place the shaped dough on a clean wooden surface and stretch into thin strips like I shown in the picture.
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Use a kitchen knife gently to take out the stripes from the wooden board and deep fry in the oil over a medium heat until crispy and serve.
How to serve fafda?
Serve fafda with roasted chili and jalebi or with fafda chutney.