Easy Frankie Basket Recipe | Crispy, Flavorful & Fun

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: Pakistani/Indian
• Course: Appetizer/Snack
• Dietary: Vegetarian (can be made with chicken)

A Unique Twist on Pakistan’s Favorite Street Food

Frankie Basket is a creative and visually stunning twist on the classic Frankie roll. Instead of serving it wrapped in roti, we bake the roti itself into a crispy edible basket that holds all the delicious fillings, toppings, and chutneys. It’s the perfect snack for parties, lunch boxes, or when you want to impress your family with something different yet familiar.

The crispy roti basket combined with spiced potato filling, fresh vegetables, tangy chutneys, and crunchy toppings makes this a showstopper dish that’s easier to eat, more impressive to serve, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love Frankie Basket

✓ Unique presentation: Makes a simple snack look restaurant-quality
✓ Easy to customize: Vegetarian, vegan, or add chicken/paneer
✓ Perfect for entertaining: Guests love this creative presentation
✓ Kid-friendly: Children love eating from an edible basket
✓ Make-ahead friendly: Baskets can be prepared a day in advance
✓ Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients
✓ No special equipment needed: Use a muffin tin or katori

Ingredients

For the Frankie Baskets:

• 4 whole wheat rotis or parathas (or plain rotis)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (for greasing and cooking)
• Salt to taste

For the Potato Filling:

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small bell pepper (green or mixed colors), finely chopped
• ½ cup mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas), frozen or fresh
• ½ cup paneer, crumbled (optional, can skip for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder (jeera)
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon chaat masala
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil

For Toppings & Assembly:

• 3-4 tablespoons green chutney (cilantro-mint)
• 3-4 tablespoons sweet tamarind chutney (imli ki chutney)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or yogurt (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sev (chickpea noodles) or crushed papdi for crunch
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• Green chillies, finely chopped and soaked in vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 muffin tin (4-cup, or enough for 4 large baskets) OR 4 small katori/bowls (heatproof)
• Baking sheet (optional, for oven method)
• Tawa or non-stick pan (if cooking method)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baskets

Oven Method (Recommended):

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Grease the muffin tin cups generously with oil or ghee.
3. Take one roti and gently place it inside a greased muffin cup, pressing it down carefully so it takes the shape of the cup.
4. Repeat with the remaining rotis.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the baskets become crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes, then gently remove from the muffin tin.
7. Set aside on a plate. Your edible baskets are ready!

Stovetop/Tawa Method (No Oven):

1. Heat a tawa or non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
2. Place a roti on the hot tawa and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly cooked but still pliable.
3. Carefully mold the warm roti into a katori or small bowl shape while it’s still warm.
4. Let it cool and set into shape (2-3 minutes).
5. Repeat with the remaining rotis.

Pro Tip

The key is to work quickly while the roti is warm, as it becomes crisp and holds its shape as it cools. If it cools before you shape it, warm it again briefly on the tawa.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Filling

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper and mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas). Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still have a slight crunch.
3. Add spices: Now add cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and chaat masala. Mix well and cook for 1 minute so the spices release their aroma and coat all the vegetables.
4. Mix with potatoes: Add the mashed potatoes and crumbled paneer (if using). Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the spices coat the mixture evenly.
5. Adjust seasoning: Add salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust spices according to your preference. The filling should be flavorful but not overly spicy.
6. Cook together: Cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Cool slightly: Remove from the heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes. It should be warm but not piping hot for assembly.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

While the filling cools, prepare your toppings for assembly:

1. Slice onions: Thinly slice the onion and set aside.
2. Prepare green chillies: Finely chop green chillies and soak in vinegar (this reduces their heat and adds tanginess).
3. Arrange chutneys: Pour green chutney and tamarind chutney into small bowls for easy application.
4. Measure toppings: Have sev or crushed papdi ready in a small bowl. Chop fresh cilantro.

Step 4: Assemble the Frankie Baskets

1. Place the basket: Take one cooled roti basket and place it on a serving plate.
2. Spread chutneys: Generously spread about 1-2 teaspoons of green chutney inside the bottom of the basket, then add 1-2 teaspoons of tamarind chutney as well. This adds flavor and moisture.
3. Add potato filling: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the warm spiced potato filling into the basket, distributing it evenly.
4. Layer fresh toppings: Add a few slices of onion, a few pieces of pickled green chillies, and some chopped cilantro leaves on top of the filling.
5. Add yogurt/mayo (optional): Add a small dollop of mayonnaise or yogurt if desired.
6. Top with crunch: Finish with a generous sprinkle of sev or crushed papdi to add that crucial crunch!
7. Final garnish: Add a few fresh cilantro leaves on top for color and freshness.
8. Repeat: Assemble the remaining three Frankie Baskets the same way.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve immediately while the baskets are still crispy and the filling is warm.
• Accompanied by extra green chutney and tamarind chutney on the side for dipping.
• Serve with hot chai (tea) or cold beverages for the ultimate snacking experience.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Frankie Baskets

Tip 1: Don’t Overcook the Baskets
Watch the baskets carefully while baking. They should be crispy but not burnt. The moment they turn golden brown, they’re done. Overbaking makes them too brittle and hard to handle.

Tip 2: Work Fast While Molding
When shaping the warm roti into baskets, work quickly before they cool and become rigid. If they cool before you finish shaping, warm them briefly on the tawa again.

Tip 3: Keep Everything Warm
The filling should be warm when assembled for the best flavor and texture. If you’re making the baskets ahead, reheat the filling gently before assembling.

Tip 4: Don’t Overfill
Resist the urge to overstuff the baskets. Too much filling can break the basket. About 2-3 tablespoons of filling per basket is ideal.

Tip 5: Make Ahead Strategy
You can prepare the baskets 1-2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for the best taste and crispness.

Variations & Customizations

Chicken Frankie Basket:

Add 1.5 cups of seasoned, cooked, shredded chicken to the filling. Cook it separately with onions, ginger-garlic paste, and spices, then mix with the mashed potatoes.

Vegan Frankie Basket:

Skip the paneer and use an extra ½ cup of mixed vegetables. You can also add crumbled tofu or chickpeas for protein.

Cheese Frankie Basket:

Add ½ cup of shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) to the filling and increase the mayo as a spread for a cheesy version.

Spicy Version:

Add 1-2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce or green chili paste to the filling for extra heat and flavor.

Healthier Option:

Use whole wheat rotis instead of regular rotis. Replace potato with half potato and half roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for added nutrition and fiber.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values per basket (without oil for cooking):

Note

Nutritional information is estimated based on ingredients and preparation method. For specific dietary or health concerns, consult with a nutritionist.

FAQs

Storage & Reheating

Storing Baskets (Unfilled):

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture

Storing Filling:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month
• Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheating:

• Warm the filling gently in a pan before assembling
• Baskets are best served fresh, but can be warmed in a 160°C oven for 5 minutes if needed

A Little Food Story

Frankie rolls are a beloved street food across Pakistan and India, typically found at roadside vendors and in bustling bazaars. They’re wrapped in thin roti or paratha with spiced potato filling, chutneys, and toppings.

The Frankie Basket is our modern, creative twist on this classic, taking all the delicious flavors you love and presenting them in an edible container. It’s the kind of dish that shows you care about the presentation, yet it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. It’s comfort food meets showstopper.

Frankie Basket is proof that sometimes the best dishes come from simple tweaks to classics. Whether you’re making these for a family lunch, a party with friends, or just because you want to try something fun and different, this recipe delivers on flavor, presentation, and satisfaction.

The crispy roti basket, aromatic spiced potato filling, fresh toppings, and tangy chutneys come together to create something that’s both familiar and exciting.

Your kitchen, your rules, your creativity. Enjoy!

Have You Made This Recipe?

Did you try Frankie Basket?

Share your thoughts, photos, and variations in the comments below!

We’d love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you added.

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