A popular Nepalese dish served as both a snack and a main course, featuring delicate rice flour pancakes topped with a spiced chicken mince mixture, a perfectly cracked egg, fresh tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
Chatamari (Savoury Rice Pancakes)
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- Water as needed to make a thin batter
- 60 gm chicken mince
- 1 egg
- Sliced tomatoes as garnish
- Chopped coriander leaves as garnish
- ½ tbsp cooking oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garlic and ginger paste
Instructions
- Place the rice flour in a mixing bowl and gradually add water while stirring to create a thin, lump-free batter.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken mince with salt, chilli powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and garlic-ginger paste, mixing thoroughly.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan and add ½ tbsp of oil.
- Using a ladle, pour a thin circle of the rice batter onto the pan and allow it to set for about 3 seconds.
- Evenly spread the spiced chicken mince over the pancake base, leaving a small gap in the center. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for approximately 10 minutes.
- Carefully crack an egg into the central space, then sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and add sliced tomatoes. Cover and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the egg is set.
Notes
This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a hearty snack or a complete meal. The combination of a crispy rice pancake with the savoury chicken mince and the richness of the egg creates a delightful balance of textures and flavours. Adjust the seasoning in the chicken mince as desired, and serve immediately for the best taste. Chatamari is a traditional dish of the “Newar” community. It is served during festivals, rituals and is associated with celebration and hospitality.