I top the cheesy nachos with green chutney flavored guacamole and crunchy veggies. These vegetarian naanchos are flavorful and absolutely delicious. Perfect to make for game nights or as an anytime snack.
About the Recipe
We love nachos. My kids can eat them almost every day without complaining. So in my quest to put a spin on the classic recipe, I came up with these Indian style nachos recipe that is spicy and absolutely delicious. These desi nachos or naanchos have all the components of the classic recipe. But these are 100% vegetarian and 100% packed with Indian flavors. Idea for this recipe came from this delicious vegetarian chili nachos recipe. To Indianize the dish, I deconstructed the entire recipe and swapped out the TexMex ingredients with Indian substitutes. Rajma or spicy Indian kidney bean curry is very synonymous to American chili. It is hearty, comforting and delicious. So that is what I use instead of chili in my Indian kidney bean nachos. I use baked naan crisps/ chips the base for the nachos. Green chutney flavored guacamole, fresh crunchy veggies round out the dish. This is a lip smacking recipe with lots of amazing flavors and textures. Do give these a try, I am sure you will love it as much as we do.
Ingredients
For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below. Here are the ingredients you need to make these lip smackingly delicious nachos: To make the naan chips you will need either store-bought or homemade naan. Buy either regular size naans and cut them into wedges. Or use naan dippers like the ones shown below. Whole wheat naan will also work. To skip the whole baking step, buy naan crisps and use them. Pita bread or pita chips are also acceptable alternatives. To make the rajma or kidney bean masala topping, you will need:
Cooked kidney beans - you can also use black or pinto beans.Onion, ginger+garlic, tomatoes.Spices - turmeric, red chili powder, ground coriander, garam masala and salt.Kasoori methi - optional but highly recommended.
To make guacamole with an Indian twist, you will need avocados and green chutney. Feel free to use store bought green chutney and guacamole. Other ingredients you need are:
Grated Cheese - Any good melting cheese like cheddar, jack, mozzarella or a combination will work. Veggies - red onion, tomato, cucumber, radish, jalapenos.Greek yogurt or sour cream - optional.
Instructions
For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below. Here is how to make vegetarian nachos recipe Indian style:
Make Kidney Bean topping
Heat oil in a medium size skillet on medium heat. Add onion and cook till it turns translucent. Stir in ginger+garlic paste and cook for another minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, garam masala and salt. Cover and cook on medium-low flame until oil starts to separate around the edges. Add cooked beans to the tomato mixture along with water. Simmer on low flame until the mixture is thick. Add crushed kasoori methi just before turning off the heat.
Make Naan Chips
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the naan into 6 wedges. Place them in a single layer on a parchment or foil lined baking sheet. Brush with oil on both sides. Bake for 10~12 minutes or until they are crispy and crunchy. Halfway through baking, flip the naan to evenly bake on both sides. Remove from the oven and let cool. These can be stored in an airtight container for later use as well.
Make Indian Style Guacamole
In a small bowl, mash the avocado. Add 1 tablespoon green chutney, mix well. Taste and add more as needed.
Make Naan Nachos
Preheat the broiler with the rack about 6" below the heating element.Arrange the naan chips on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Top with half of the bean mixture and sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with another layer of naan chips, remaining kidney bean mixture and cheese. Place the baking sheet or the skillet under the broil 1~2 minutes. Stay close to the oven and when you see that the cheese is melted, take the tray out of the oven. Cool for 2 minutes. Top with red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, cilantro, guacamole and Greek yogurt, if using. Dig in right away.
Expert Tips
To make naan crisps, buy either regular size naans and cut them into wedges. Or use 20~24 mini naan or naan dippers.Store bought whole wheat naan will also work.To skip the whole baking step, use store bought naan chips instead.Store bought pita bread or pita chips can also be used.You can use 1 cup of tomato puree instead of fresh tomatoes.Naan chips can be made up to 2 days in advance. Keep them airtight in a container at room temperature.Rajma masala can also be made ahead of time, up to 2 days, and refrigerated until ready to use.Sub kidney beans with either black or pinto beans. Chickpeas will also work.It is best to make guacamole just before serving to avoid oxidation of avocado.
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Here are few more delicious fusion dishes that you might like: I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don’t forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.
Recipe Card
