As the winter chill sets in, the ritual of evening chai becomes a cherished comfort. Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor has perfectly captured this seasonal emotion by sharing a collection of five classic, crunchy snack recipes designed to be the ideal accompaniment to a steaming cup of tea. These recipes, shared on January 12, 2026, promise to turn your simple tea break into a delightful culinary experience.
From Pakoras to Puffs: A Crunchy Tea-Time Spread
Chef Kapoor's selection focuses on deep-fried, savory treats that are synonymous with Indian winters. The joy of dipping a hot, crispy pakora into tangy chutney before taking a sip of chai is an experience he aims to celebrate. The recipes range from quick fixes to slightly more elaborate preparations, all promising that satisfying crunch.
1. Paneer Pakora: A Creamy, Crispy Delight
This recipe transforms soft paneer into golden, crispy bites. The batter is a flavorful mix of gram flour (besan), yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, coriander leaves, carom seeds (ajwain), and red chilli powder. Cubes of paneer are coated in this semi-thick batter and deep-fried until perfectly crisp. A final garnish of chaat masala elevates the flavor, making it an irresistible partner for your chai.
2. Aloo Puff: The Baked Savory Treat
For those preferring baked goods, the Aloo Puff is a perfect choice. It involves a spiced potato and vegetable filling encased in flaky puff pastry dough. The filling is prepared by sautéing onions, carrots, and green peas with a blend of spices including cumin, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and garam masala. The filled puffs are brushed with milk and baked at 180°C for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden, best served with tomato ketchup.
3. Bhakarwadi: The Spiral of Flavors
This iconic Maharashtrian snack is a flavor-packed spiral. A stiff dough made from gram flour and refined flour is rolled thin, layered with a coarse, aromatic stuffing of dried coconut, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, fennel, peppercorns, and an array of spice powders like dried mango and dried ginger. The roll is sliced and deep-fried to a golden brown. Chef Kapoor notes these can be stored in an airtight container for 15 to 30 days.
4. Patra: The Steamed and Sautéed Delicacy
Patra offers a unique texture, starting with steamed colocasia leaves. A thick paste of gram flour, jaggery, tamarind, ginger-chilli paste, and spices is spread over the leaves, which are then rolled into a cylinder and steamed. Once cooled and sliced, the pieces are lightly sautéed with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and asafoetida for a final flavor boost, then garnished with fresh coriander and coconut.
5. Masala Khakhra Nachos: A Wholesome, Crispy Twist
Reinventing the classic Gujarati khakhra, this recipe creates triangle-shaped nachos. The dough combines whole wheat flour and gram flour with spices like red chilli powder, turmeric, dried mango powder, and dried fenugreek leaves, bound together with milk. The rolled-out discs are cooked in an electric khakhra maker until crisp and then cut into triangles, offering a healthier, crunchy munching option.
Elevating the Winter Chai Ritual
Sanjeev Kapoor's curated list underscores the cultural importance of tea-time snacks during India's winter months. Each recipe provides a different texture and flavor profile, from the soft interior of a paneer pakora to the layered spice of a bhakarwadi. By sharing these detailed methods, the celebrity chef empowers home cooks to recreate restaurant-style snacks, ensuring every cup of winter chai is accompanied by a perfect, homemade crunch. These dishes are not just food; they are an essential part of the season's warmth and comfort.
