When it comes to authentic and traditional Indian snacks, Banarsari Papad by Novelty Sweets Amritsar stands out as a timeless favorite. Known for its exquisite quality and rich heritage, this papad has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the history, ingredients, making process, and the reasons why Banarsari Papad from Novelty Sweets has gained immense popularity.
What is Banarsari Papad?
Banarsari Papad is a type of traditional Indian papad that is made using a blend of premium ingredients, offering a crispy, crunchy, and delectable snack experience. The word "Papad" refers to a thin, crispy snack, which is often served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack in many Indian meals. What makes Banarsari Papad unique is its rich and authentic flavor that comes from a combination of age-old recipes and quality ingredients.
Novelty Sweets Amritsar, a renowned sweets and snacks shop in Amritsar, Punjab, has been the go-to destination for Banarsari Papad lovers for decades. The shop has built a reputation for offering high-quality, handmade, and flavorful papads that reflect the true essence of Indian cuisine.
History of Novelty Sweets Amritsar
Founded in the heart of Amritsar, Novelty Sweets has been serving traditional Indian sweets, snacks, and other culinary delights for over 50 years. The shop is famous for its commitment to quality and consistency. It has been a preferred choice for locals, tourists, and food enthusiasts from all over the world who want to indulge in authentic Punjabi snacks.
In particular, Banarsari Papad has become one of their most popular offerings, helping to establish Novelty Sweets as an iconic brand in the region. The papad, along with other snacks and sweets from Novelty Sweets, has played a key role in representing the rich culinary traditions of Punjab.
Key Ingredients in Banarsari Papad
One of the reasons Banarsari Papad stands apart from other papads is its high-quality ingredients, which are carefully selected to ensure the best taste and texture. The primary ingredients include:
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Urad Dal (Black Gram): Urad dal is the main base ingredient used in making papads. It is ground into a fine flour, which gives the papad its distinct texture and crunchiness. This legume is known for its protein and fiber content.
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Rice Flour: Rice flour adds a light and crisp texture to the papad, making it perfect for deep frying.
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Spices: Banarsari Papad is seasoned with a blend of traditional Indian spices such as cumin, black pepper, asafoetida (hing), and salt. The spices are carefully measured to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
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Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are sometimes incorporated into the papad dough to enhance the flavor profile. They add a mild nuttiness and a delightful crunch to the papad.
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Caraway Seeds (Ajwain): Ajwain is known for its distinctive, aromatic flavor, which adds a zing to the papad, making it more flavorful.
The Making of Banarsari Papad
The process of making Banarsari Papad at Novelty Sweets Amritsar is a blend of traditional methods passed down through generations. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved:
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Soaking and Grinding: The process begins with soaking urad dal overnight. After soaking, the dal is ground into a fine paste. This paste is then mixed with rice flour and a variety of spices to create the papad dough.
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Kneading and Shaping: The dough is kneaded carefully to achieve the perfect consistency. It is then rolled out into thin, round discs. The thickness of the papad is crucial, as it needs to be thin enough to ensure crispiness once fried.
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Drying: After shaping, the papads are sun-dried. This drying process helps remove moisture and ensures that the papads remain crispy when cooked. The sun-drying method enhances the flavor of the papad and gives it a natural crunch.
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Frying: Finally, the papads are deep-fried in pure vegetable oil, giving them the characteristic crispy texture. The papads are fried to perfection, ensuring they are light and airy, without being overly greasy.
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Packaging: After frying, Banarsari Papads are carefully packaged to maintain freshness. Each pack is sealed to preserve the papad’s crispy texture and rich flavors, ensuring that customers receive the best quality product.
Why Choose Banarsari Papad by Novelty Sweets Amritsar?
There are several reasons why Banarsari Papad from Novelty Sweets has become a beloved choice among snack enthusiasts:
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Authenticity and Tradition: Novelty Sweets takes pride in its commitment to authenticity. The papads are made using time-honored recipes, ensuring that every bite delivers the true taste of traditional Punjabi cuisine.
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High-Quality Ingredients: The ingredients used in Banarsari Papad are sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring top-notch quality in every batch. The combination of urad dal, rice flour, spices, and other key ingredients ensures that the papads are flavorful and satisfying.
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Handmade and Fresh: Unlike mass-produced papads, Banarsari Papad is handmade with care. The meticulous production process ensures that each papad is consistent in texture and taste. The use of sun-drying also ensures that the papads are free from artificial preservatives.
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Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you are hosting a traditional Indian meal, celebrating a festival, or enjoying a casual snack, Banarsari Papad is the perfect accompaniment. It can be paired with chutneys, pickles, or enjoyed on its own.
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Health Benefits: While Banarsari Papad is undeniably delicious, it is also made with ingredients that offer several health benefits. The inclusion of urad dal and rice flour makes the papad a good source of protein and fiber. The spices used in the papad, such as cumin and ajwain, have digestive properties that can aid in digestion.
How to Enjoy Banarsari Papad
Banarsari Papad can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference. Some of the most popular ways to enjoy this crispy treat include:
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Plain: Simply enjoy the papad as it is, relishing its crispy texture and flavor.
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With Chutneys: Pair the papad with tangy tamarind chutney, mint chutney, or mango pickle for a burst of flavor.
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In Snacks and Chaat: Crumble the papad over chaat dishes like pani puri, bhel puri, or sev puri for an added crunch.
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As a Side Dish: Serve Banarsari Papad as a side dish to complement traditional Indian meals such as dal, sabzi, or pulao.
Where to Buy Banarsari Papad by Novelty Sweets Amritsar
Banarsari Papad is available at Novelty Sweets Amritsar, located in the heart of the city. However, for those who cannot visit the store, Novelty Sweets offers online ordering options. You can order the papad and have it delivered right to your doorstep. Many online marketplaces and food delivery apps also feature Banarsari Papad, making it easily accessible to people across India and internationally.
Conclusion
Banarsari Papad by Novelty Sweets Amritsar is more than just a snack; it is a symbol of the rich culinary traditions of Punjab. With its high-quality ingredients, authentic preparation methods, and crisp, flavorful texture, it has earned its place as one of the most sought-after papads in the region. Whether you’re looking for a traditional snack to serve at your next gathering or a tasty treat to enjoy on your own, Banarsari Papad is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and experience the true taste of Amritsar today!