Note
The dough should be soft but not sticky. Ensure you knead it well to develop gluten, which helps in achieving a crisp texture.
If the dough is too dry, it may crack while rolling. If too wet, it won’t hold its shape during frying.
Allow the dough to rest for at least 15-20 minutes after kneading. This helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out and shape without breaking.
Roll the dough evenly to about 2 mm thickness. If the dough is uneven, some parts may cook faster than others, leading to uneven crispness.
Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much flour, as this can affect the final texture.:
Prick the rolled-out dough with a fork before frying. This prevents the katori from puffing up and helps it maintain its shape during frying.
Heat the oil to the right temperature (around 350°F or 180°C). If the oil is too hot, the katori will brown quickly but remain uncooked inside. If it’s too cold, the katori will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
To test the oil, drop a small piece of dough into it; it should sizzle and come to the surface immediately.
Use oils with a high smoking point, like sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, for frying. This will ensure that your katori get crispy without burning.
Carefully place the shaped katori in the hot oil. You can gently press it down with a slotted spoon to help it hold its shape while frying.
Once they start to separate from the bowl, remove the bowl and continue frying until golden brown and crispy.
Once fried, drain the katori on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Allow the katori to cool completely before filling them. This will help maintain their crispiness longer.
If making in advance, store the fried katori in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them soggy. Enjoy them within a day or two for the best texture.
Assemble the katori chaat just before serving. The longer the filling sits in the katori, the softer the katori will become. Serve them immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy katori and flavorful fillings.