Indian Spiced "Taco" Salad Bowls

Crispy, edible bowls made from spiced lentil and rice flour, filled with a refreshing and flavorful Indian-inspired salad. A unique and healthy way to enjoy Indian flavors!

    Imagine a crispy, savory bowl that you can eat along with your salad! These "taco shells" are made from a blend of lentil and rice flour, infused with aromatic Indian spices and baked until golden and crisp. They cradle a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring spiced chickpeas, diced cucumbers and tomatoes, fresh cilantro and mint, and a tangy yogurt-lime dressing. It's a novel textural and flavor experience, offering a healthy and exciting way to enjoy Indian spices in a familiar salad format.

Reimagining the Salad: Crunch, Flavor, and Fun!

    The beauty of this dish lies in its playful approach to both texture and presentation. The crispy, edible bowls provide an unexpected crunch and a subtle savory, spiced flavor that complements the cool and refreshing salad within. By using a salad format, which is widely accepted and appreciated, we introduce the exciting flavors of India in a light and approachable way. It's a dish that's both healthy and fun to eat, offering a novel twist on the traditional salad experience.

Indian Spiced "Taco Shell" Salad Bowls Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Spiced Lentil "Bowls":
  • 1/2 cup lentil flour (besan)
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds) - optional, for unique flavor
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt to taste
  • About 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing
• For the Indian-Inspired Salad:
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Spiced Lentil "Bowls": In a bowl, whisk together the lentil flour, rice flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ajwain (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms (similar to a crepe batter). Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Cook the "Bowls": Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the hot skillet and swirl to form a thin circle (like a small crepe). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly golden and cooked through. Carefully remove from the skillet.
3. Shape the "Bowls": While the "crepes" are still warm and pliable, gently shape them into small bowls by pressing them into muffin tins or over the back of small bowls. Brush lightly with olive oil.
4. Bake the "Bowls": Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the lentil "bowls" for 8-10 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden. Let them cool completely in the muffin tins or over the bowls to maintain their shape.
5. Prepare the Salad: In a separate bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, diced red onion, diced cucumber, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint.
6. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, plain yogurt, chaat masala, salt, and pepper.
7. Assemble the Salad Bowls: Just before serving, toss the salad with the yogurt-lime dressing. Spoon the dressed salad into the crispy spiced lentil "bowls."
8. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy this novel and flavorful Indian-inspired salad experience!

Nutritional Estimate (per serving - about 2 small bowls):

• Calories: 250-350 kcal

• Protein: 10-15 grams

• Fat: 8-12 grams

• Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams

  Note: This is an estimated range, and the precise nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

    These Indian Spiced "Taco Shell" Salad Bowls offer a truly unique and delicious way to enjoy Indian flavors in a familiar and healthy format. The crispy, edible bowls and the refreshing, spiced salad create a novel culinary experience that's both exciting and satisfying.