The best nachos
These "Desi" vegan nachos are the life of the party! They are full of unexpected Indian inspired flavors, crunch and color. This recipe has 3 parts: quick masala chickpeas, royal slaw and vegan avocado cream. These three quick recipes make a deliciously different snack or appetizer for any party, game day or movie night. If you love Indian food, you need to try these. These will challenge your accepted notion of nachos, but they have all the components needed to qualify for the nacho hall of fame. Dip the chips in the spicy, warm, masala chickpeas and then the crunchy royal slaw. This is so much texture and flavor but the icing on the cake is the vegan avocado cream.
What does "Desi" mean?
Desi is a word used to describe people and culture from the Indian subcontinent. We can use this word to describe people, food, clothing and tradition that is typical of India, Pakistan or Bangladesh. The reason we call these "Desi" nachos is because there are flavors included in this dish which are inspired by Indian food. Both the colorful visual esthetics of the dish and the spices used make this a "Desi" recipe. These Vegan "Desi" Nachos are unlike the Mexican inspired nachos that everyone is familiar with.
Ingredients for Vegan "Desi" Nachos
These nachos have very simple ingredients. If you do not have a fully stocked spice cabinet you may substitute two tbsp curry powder for the cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala and coriander. The chickpeas won't have the same heat or depth of flavor but they will still taste delicious.
Quick Masala Chickpeas
- oil
- onion
- garlic
- fresh ginger
- cumin seeds
- turmeric
- garam masala
- coriander
- red pepper flakes
- tomato paste
- water
- chickpeas
- salt and pepper
Royal Slaw
- Cabbage
- onions
- salt
- lemon
- cilantro
Avocado Crema
- Avocado
- Vegan Sour Cream
- lemon
- salt
- cilantro
- water
How to make vegan "Desi" Nachos
Although this recipe has 3 mini recipes in one, it is still very easy to make. Simply make the quick masala chickpeas, make the slaw and mix the cream. Then layer it and devour.
For the quick masala chickpeas
- In a deep sauté pan heat oil over medium heat then add garlic, onion and ginger and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, coriander and cook for 3 minutes stirring often.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes to caramelize.
- Add water, chickpeas, salt, pepper and pepper flakes and bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes until sauce has thickened.
- Serve over chips or rice or anywhere else you like.
To make the Royal Slaw
- In a medium bowl add the cabbage, onions, cilantro, lemon and salt. Mix well and reserve until last step
For the Vegan Avocado Cream
- In a medium bowl add the avocado and mash.
- Then add the vegan sour cream, lemon, salt and chopped cilantro.
- Mix well and add water to thin to desired consistency. It needs to be pourable.
Other delicious vegan appetizers
Desi Nachos
Ingredients
For Quick Masala Chickpeas
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp tumeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp coriander
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- ½ tsp salt and pepper
For Royal Slaw
- 3 cups cabbage shredded
- 2 tbsp red onion sliced thin
- 1 lemon juiced
- 3 tbsp cilantro chopped
For Vegan Avocado Cream
- 2 avocado peeled
- 1 cup vegan sour cream
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp cilantro
For Nacho
- 1 bag Tortilla Chips any kind you like
Instructions
For Quick Masala Chickpeas
- In a deep sauté pan heat oil over medium heat then add garlic, onion and ginger and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, coriander and cook for 3 minutes stirring often.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes to caramelize.
- Add water, chickpeas, salt, pepper and pepper flakes and bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes until sauce has thickened.
- Serve over chips or rice or anywhere else you like.
For Royal Slaw
- In a medium bowl add the cabbage, onions, cilantro, lemon and salt. Mix well and reserve until last step
For the Vegan Avocado Cream
- In a medium bowl add the avocado and mash.
- Then add the vegan sour cream, lemon, salt and chopped cilantro
- Mix well and add water to thin to desired consistency. It needs to be pourable.
- Make Nachos
- Place chips on a large sheet pan or platter. Layer with Masala Chickpeas, Royal Slaw and Vegan Avocado Cream.