How “Fulauri Without Chutney” Came to Life: Nidhi Bhadouria Shares the Crispy Snack’s Signature Recipe

The iconic line “Fulauri bina chutney kaise bani?” (How can fulauri exist without chutney?) is familiar to many from weddings and popular songs—but have you ever wondered what it actually means, or what fulauri is? This traditional snack, popular in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, refers to chickpea flour fritters (pakoras) that are considered incomplete without spicy green chutney.

Culinary expert Nidhi Bhadouria recently shared her take on this classic snack by introducing a unique twist: crispy fulauri stuffed with boiled chickpeas. With a mix of besan (gram flour), onions, spices, and boiled chickpeas, she demonstrates how this humble snack can be transformed into a crunchy, flavorful treat.

The Meaning Behind the Song
The phrase “Fulauri without chutney” highlights the idea that some things are incomplete without their perfect complement. In UP and Bihar, fulauri is incomplete without its accompanying spicy chutney—much like how life feels incomplete without a good companion.

Ingredients for Flavorful Fulauri

• Combine 2 tablespoons of gram flour with finely chopped onions, green chilies, and fresh coriander.
• Enhance the taste with red chili powder, salt, asafoetida (hing), carom seeds (ajwain), and dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi).
• Allow onions to release their natural water into the batter instead of adding water immediately. This step ensures deep flavor and extra crispiness.

A Twist with Boiled Chickpeas and Tomato
Boiled chickpeas add protein and texture, while chopped tomatoes provide a soft, tangy contrast, elevating the snack from ordinary pakoras to a signature dish.

Perfect Frying Technique
Fulauri must be fried on low to medium heat. High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Medium heat ensures golden, crispy fritters with fully cooked chickpeas inside.

Serving Suggestion
Once fried to perfection, serve these golden fulauri hot with spicy coriander-mint chutney for the authentic UP-Bihar taste. This recipe revives traditional flavors while adding a modern, crunchy twist.