Crispy Dabeli in OTG – Better Than the Street Version!

Walking down the streets of India, the mouth-watering delicacies on offer probably left you falling in love with street food. One greatly-loved option is dabeli which is a crunchy, tasty, and spicy treat. 

Every bite is an explosion of flavor due to the unique sweetness and tanginess it offers. However, people often reason that in order to truly appreciate Dabeli, it has to be consumed on the street. There is even an unofficial belief that the messier the thela, the tastier dabeli will be.

Now we can all agree that belief needs some sanity. What if I told you that with an OTG, a few life hacks, and some creativity, you can make a crispy and better-for-you version of dabeli right at home? Oh, did I forget to mention that instead of a pressure cooker, you can use a modern electric steamer to prepare your potatoes?

Let’s walk you through how to create Crispy OTG Dabeli that not only meets but beats the street-style version on hygiene, taste, and presentation!

What Makes Dabeli So Addictive?

Among many Gujrati dishes, I share a deep love for Dabeli.

What if you were told that with simply an OTG and a few hacks you could cook Dabeli in your own home in a snap? Not only does this eliminate using a pressure cooker and instead allows for a modern steam, but it also provides the option for cooking in my air fryer for added crisp. Think of it as India’s answer to the sloppy joe only better, and full of desi flavor bombs.

It’s not just a snack; it’s an experience. And when toasted in an OTG, Dabeli gets a crisp exterior that takes the whole thing to another level. Best part? You control the cleanliness, spice level, and ingredients and say goodbye to excessive oil.

Why Make Dabeli in an OTG and Use an Electric Steamer?

Credits:Glen India

Most people try to replicate street food at home with a stovetop and a frying pan, but there’s a smarter, more modern way. An OTG gives you that crisp, toasted texture without drenching the pav in butter. Pair that with an electric steamer to boil your potatoes, and you’ve got a fuss-free, healthier prep process that still delivers big on flavor.

Here’s why the combo works beautifully:

1. Electric steamers preserve the nutrients in your potatoes better than boiling them in water.
2. They also prevent sogginess, giving you a fluffier texture for the Dabeli filling.
3. OTGs allow you to toast multiple pavs evenly without burning them.
4. There’s no constant flipping, no greasy pans, and no guesswork.
   The whole experience is cleaner, smarter, and more aligned with modern kitchen habits.

Now that you know the why, let’s jump into the how!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s prep all the ingredients so assembling becomes a breeze. Freshness is key, and getting your mise-en-place done early will help you focus on flavor.

For Dabeli Masala (or use store-bought)

1. 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
3. 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
4. 2 dry red chilies
5. 1 small piece of cinnamon
6. 2 cloves
7. ½ teaspoon black pepper
8. 1 teaspoon sugar
9. 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
10. Salt to taste

For the Potato Filling

1. 2 large potatoes (steamed in an electric steamer)
2. 2 tablespoons oil
3. 2 tablespoons Dabeli masala
4. 2 tablespoons tamarind-date chutney
5. Salt as needed

For Assembly

Credits:Canva

1. 4 fresh pav buns
2. 2 tablespoons butter or ghee (optional)
3. Garlic chutney
4. Tamarind-date chutney
5. Finely chopped onions
6. Roasted salted peanuts
7. Pomegranate pearls
8. Nylon sev
9. Fresh coriander (chopped)

Step 1: Prepare Dabeli Masala at Home

1. Dry roast the coriander, cumin, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, red chilies, and pepper on low flame until fragrant.
2. Let the spices cool, then grind them into a fine powder.
3. Add sugar, amchur, and salt to the powder. Mix thoroughly.
4. Store this homemade masala in a jar, it stays fresh for up to a month!

Step 2: Steam Potatoes in an Electric Steamer

With the electric steamer, things go much easier.

1. Pour water to the base, cover and steam for 15 to 18 mins or till the potatoes turn tender.
2. Potatoes should be placed in halves or quarters for easier steaming.
3. Once done, cool the potatoes slightly before mashing them. They should still be warm.

Step 3: Prepare The Spicy Potato Filling

Timing could not be any better. Now that you have the steamed mashed potatoes, it’s time to ready the flavor:

1. In a nonstick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
2. Stir up the prepared Dabeli masala. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared Dabeli masala and sauté it for 20 seconds.
3. Blend the mashed potatoes with salt and 2 tablespoons of a tamarind-date chutney and cook the mixture for about 2 to 3 mins until all ingredients are combined and aromatic.
4. Let cool.

Underneath the sweet and slightly bold taste, the mixture should be tangy and spicy to give it an ideal Dabeli flavor. It’s the heart of the dabeli which is precisely why it needs perfect seasoning.

Step 4: Assembly of Dabeli like a pro

That’s where the fun really starts.

1. Slice your pavs horizontally, keeping one side attached so they open like a book.
2. On one side, spread garlic chutney; on the other, apply tamarind-date chutney.
3. Stuff a generous spoon of the potato mixture in the middle.
4. Add toppings: chopped onions, roasted peanuts, pomegranate pearls, sev, and coriander.
5. Gently press the pav to keep everything in place.

Each bun should now be bursting with color and texture, ready to get that crispy golden crust.

Step 5: Toast Dabeli in Your OTG

Credits:Glen India

Time for the magic moment, the oven transformation. Your OTG will turn these stuffed buns into crispy delights.

1. Preheat your OTG to 180°C for about 10 minutes.
2. Place the assembled Dabelis on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper.
3. Brush the tops with a little butter or ghee for extra flavor and browning.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until the buns are golden and crispy.
5. For that final crackling crunch, switch to grill mode for the last 2 minutes.

Take a moment here. The aroma alone will take you back to thelanas and chowpattys, but with the comfort of your own kitchen.

How to Serve OTG Dabeli

Presentation makes everything more inviting. Here's how you can turn your home-style Dabeli into a cafe-style experience:

1. Serve each Dabeli with extra chutney on the side.
2. Add a quick onion salad with lemon and chaat masala.
3. Pair with chilled lemonade or a hot cup of masala chai.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of sev and coriander for that authentic touch.

This isn't just food, this is a mood.

Why This Version is Actually Better Than the Street One

Still not convinced that homemade is superior? Let’s recap what makes your OTG Dabeli unbeatable:

1. You use fresh, clean ingredients.
2. Steam-cooked potatoes offer better nutrition and texture.
3. OTG toasting gives a restaurant-quality finish without deep frying.
4. You avoid questionable street-side hygiene.
5. You have full control over customization, spice level, sweetness, and toppings.

It’s your Dabeli, your way, without compromise.

Conclusion: Dabeli That Reflects Your Lifestyle

In today’s fast-paced, health-conscious world, it’s essential to find that balance between indulgence and mindfulness. This OTG-style Dabeli is more than just a snack, it’s a reflection of smarter, cleaner, and more empowered home cooking.

So the next time you're craving something bold and flavorful, don’t reach for your car keys, reach for your OTG and your electric steamer. Trust us, your kitchen is more than capable of delivering street-style food that’s even better than the original.

And when your kitchen is equipped with modern appliances like Glen India’s electric steamers and OTGs, making delicious and hygienic street-style food at home becomes a lifestyle upgrade worth celebrating.