Dabeli
A spiced potato filling in a buttered roll with pomegranate, roasted peanuts and sev. Gujarat's answer to the vada pav.
Image note: Illustration, generated by AI · not a photograph of this dish
Method
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Heat the oil in a wide pan and stir in the dabeli masala for 30 seconds.
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Add the mashed potato, tamarind chutney, sugar and salt and mix thoroughly.
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Cook 4 minutes, pressing the mixture flat, then spread it in the pan and level the top.
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Scatter half the pomegranate, half the peanuts and half the coriander over the surface and press them in.
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Split the rolls almost through.
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Spread green chutney on one cut face and tamarind chutney on the other.
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Pack a thick layer of the potato mixture into each roll.
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Melt the butter on a griddle and press the filled rolls in, turning, for 2 minutes until golden on both sides.
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Dip the open edges of each roll in the sev so it sticks all round.
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Top with the remaining pomegranate, peanuts, red onion and coriander and eat at once.
Chef’s Tips
- Sev pressed on at the end, never mixed in.
- Both chutneys, one on each cut face.
- Griddle the filled roll — it is not a cold sandwich.
Pairing Suggestions
- Masala chai
- Extra sev
- Cold water
Storage & Reheating
The filling keeps 2 days refrigerated. Assemble to order.
Common questions
How long does Dabeli take to make?
About 45 minutes in total — 25 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.
What are the key tips for making Dabeli?
Sev pressed on at the end, never mixed in. Both chutneys, one on each cut face. Griddle the filled roll — it is not a cold sandwich.
What should I serve with Dabeli?
Masala chai; Extra sev; Cold water.
How should Dabeli be stored?
The filling keeps 2 days refrigerated. Assemble to order.
Is Dabeli suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Dabeli?
About 465 kcal per serving, with 11 g protein, 66 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.