Picture this: a crisp, golden-brown delight that crackles with every bite, sending a wave of flavor dancing on your taste buds. That’s what you can expect with my Easy Chilli Bread, a glorious Indo-Chinese snack that turns leftover bread into an irresistible treat. You might find these spicy bites at your favorite street vendor, but there’s something special about making them at home. I love how quickly they come together, transforming simple ingredients into a party-worthy appetizer or a satisfying snack for a casual evening in.
As I was rummaging through my kitchen one day, I caught sight of some stale bread—there’s the magic—the perfect foundation for this flavorful dish. Toss in vibrant veggies, aromatic spices, and a bit of creativity, and you’ve not just reinvented leftovers, but you’ve also rediscovered the joy of home cooking. Whether it’s a cozy get-together or just a personal indulgence, this Chilli Bread is guaranteed to impress. Ready to treat yourself and your loved ones? Let’s dive in!
Why is chilli bread a must-try snack?
Unique Flavors: Each bite of Chilli Bread bursts with spicy and savory goodness that livens up your taste buds.
Quick to Make: You’ll whip this up in no time, making it perfect for unexpected guests or sudden snack cravings.
Versatile: Customize it with different sauces and veggies to create a dish that suits your taste, or even use leftover bread!
Crowd-Pleaser: This snack is sure to be a hit, whether you serve it at gatherings or enjoy it as a cozy night in.
Healthier Option: Using fresh ingredients, your kitchen becomes a hub of deliciousness, while you keep fast food at bay.
Once you’ve made your Chilli Bread, consider pairing it with a side of fried rice for a complete meal!
Chilli Bread Ingredients
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For the Bread Mixture
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Bread – Use fresh white or sandwich bread for a perfect crispy texture.
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Cabbage – Shredded finely to ensure it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
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Carrot – Grated for sweetness and to add a delightful crunch.
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Capsicum – Finely chopped for color and flavor; bell peppers work as a milder alternative.
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For the Spices and Sauce
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Ginger Garlic Paste – Enhances the flavor profile; can be substituted with fresh ginger and garlic if preferred.
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Pepper and Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder – Adds a spicy kick and vibrant color; adjust to suit your spice tolerance.
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Soy Sauce – Provides umami richness; choose low-sodium soy sauce to keep it lighter.
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For Binding and Frying
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Corn Flour – Essential for binding ingredients together and achieving a crispy finish; all-purpose flour can be a substitute, but corn flour is ideal.
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Oil – Necessary for deep frying; olive oil or sunflower oil can be used based on your preference.
With these Chilli Bread ingredients, you’re just steps away from creating a flavorful masterpiece that delights in every bite!
How to Make Chilli Bread
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Prepare the Batter: Start by blending the bread into fine crumbs in a mixing bowl. Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, finely chopped capsicum, ginger-garlic paste, pepper, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and salt. Mix until you have a moist dough, then fold in the corn flour to bind it all together.
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Shape and Fry: Lightly grease your hands and form the mixture into small square pieces. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the pieces until they turn a beautiful golden brown, making sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. Drain them on paper towels once done.
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Make the Sauce: In a large kadai, heat a little oil and sauté sliced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies till aromatic. Add diced onions and capsicum, stirring over a high flame until they’re softened.
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Create the Gravy: Mix in vinegar, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and chilli sauce along with pepper and salt. Stir well then add a corn flour slurry until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
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Combine: Carefully add the fried bread pieces into the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve the Chilli Bread immediately, garnished with freshly chopped spring onions for that extra burst of flavor.
Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Best Chilli Bread
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Serve Immediately: To maintain that delightful crispy texture, enjoy your Chilli Bread right after cooking. This helps avoid sogginess from the sauce.
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Oil Temperature Check: Before frying, ensure your oil is hot enough. This creates that golden-brown crust you crave and prevents the bread from absorbing excess oil.
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Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of your Chilli Bread.
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Sauce Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to try different sauces! A mix of chili sauce and hot ketchup can add a zesty twist to your dish.
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Frying Alternatives: For a healthier option, consider using an appe pan instead of deep frying. It retains flavor while reducing oil use.
Make Ahead Options
These chilli bread bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bread mixture up to 24 hours in advance by blending the bread with the veggies and spices, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain quality and prevent sogginess, avoid mixing in the corn flour until you’re ready to fry; just fold it in at that time. When you want to serve, simply shape the mixture into squares, fry them until golden, and toss them in the sauce you prepared fresh. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful, crispy snack with minimal effort on busy nights!
Storage Tips for Chilli Bread
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Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to retain some crispiness.
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Refrigerator: Store leftover Chilli Bread in the fridge, where it can last for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven to crisp them back up before serving.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the fried Chilli Bread pieces in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can last for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen Chilli Bread, reheat directly from the freezer in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
What to Serve with Chilli Bread?
As you savor each bite of your spicy Chilli Bread, consider these delightful pairings to create a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
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Fried Rice: This classic side adds a savory touch that complements the bold flavors of Chilli Bread. The fluffiness of fried rice enhances the overall meal experience.
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Chow Mein: With its satisfying noodles and vibrant vegetables, chow mein provides a perfect contrast to the crispy Chilli Bread. The textures meld beautifully, making your plate stunning.
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Spicy Chutney: A side of tangy and spicy chutney elevates the dish significantly. This duo can transform your plate into a flavorful adventure bursting with zest.
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Spring Rolls: Pair with these crispy delights for an additional crunch. Their fresh ingredients and contrasting flavors enhance the Indochinese theme of your meal.
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Vegetable Manchurian: This dish mirrors the spice levels while introducing a different texture. It creates a culinary harmony that will impress any guest at your table.
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Sweet and Sour Sauce: Drizzling a bit of this sauce over Chilli Bread introduces a delightful play of flavors—sweetness cutting through the heat for a balanced bite.
Imagine sharing these pairings with family or friends, creating warm memories around a table filled with delicious food!
Chilli Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your taste buds! Dive into some delightful twists that will tantalize your palate.
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Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms to the bread mixture for extra texture and flavor. Each vegetable brings its own unique personality, contributing a delightful crunch.
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Spicy Ketchup Twist: Use spicy ketchup instead of plain for an exciting twist. This adds a zesty flavor punch, perfect for those who love a bit of heat with their snack.
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Sriracha Kick: Mix sriracha into your sauce for an extra fiery kick. It not only elevates the spice level but enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of sweetness.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap out traditional bread for gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy the same crispy nostalgia without the wheat!
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Saucy Tang: Incorporate a mix of soy sauce and vinegar to create a tangy glaze. This combination can deepen the flavor, leaving everyone at the table wanting more.
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Crunchy Coating: Try rolling the bread pieces in crushed cornflakes before frying. This adds an unexpected, crunchy texture that makes each bite even more delightful.
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Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese to the mixture for a creamy twist that melts beautifully. Imagine the gooey goodness blending into the crunch of the bread—pure bliss!
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Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the bread mixture. This adds a fragrant aroma and a hint of earthiness that beautifully complements the dish.
Each of these variations will bring a new dimension to your Chilli Bread experience, making it even more exciting to serve at gatherings or enjoy at home!
Chilli Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for making Chilli Bread?
Absolutely! Fresh white or sandwich bread works best for Chilli Bread, as it helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Avoid using multigrain bread, as it could make the final dish more dense and less crunchy.
How should I store leftover Chilli Bread?
For maximum freshness, keep leftover Chilli Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it in a toaster oven to help regain some of its crispiness!
Can I freeze Chilli Bread?
Certainly! To freeze your Chilli Bread, first allow the fried pieces to cool completely. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they’re solid. Then, transfer the frozen pieces to a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. For reheating, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy!
What if my Chilli Bread mixture is too dry or too wet?
No worries! If your mixture feels too dry, simply add a little water or more ginger-garlic paste to moisten it. On the flip side, if it’s too wet, mix in a little more corn flour to help bind it better. Aim for a texture that holds together but isn’t sticky.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Very! To adjust for gluten-free diets, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread varieties. You can also use gluten-free flour instead of corn flour to help achieve that desired crispy texture.
What sauces can I use to enhance the flavors of Chilli Bread?
You can get creative here! While the original recipe uses soy sauce and chilli sauce, try using Maggi hot and sweet sauce or a blend of sriracha and mayonnaise for a unique taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites to make this dish your own.
Crispy Chilli Bread Delight | Quick Spicy Snack Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend the bread into fine crumbs in a mixing bowl. Add shredded cabbage, grated carrot, finely chopped capsicum, ginger-garlic paste, pepper, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and salt. Mix until you have a moist dough, then fold in the corn flour.
- Lightly grease your hands and form the mixture into small square pieces. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the pieces until golden brown.
- In a kadai, heat a little oil and sauté sliced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies until aromatic. Add diced onions and capsicum, stirring until softened.
- Mix in vinegar, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and chilli sauce along with pepper and salt. Stir well, then add a corn flour slurry until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fried bread pieces into the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped spring onions.