The Savory
Why Frankie Basket?
Frankie Basket is a modern twist on Mumbai's beloved street food, combining the bold flavors of a classic Frankie roll with the convenience and presentation of a handheld basket. This dish features spiced fillings wrapped in a flaky paratha or roti, served in a crispy edible basket for added texture and visual appeal.
Flavor & Texture Magic: Spiced, saucy fillings (tandoori, schezwan, or mint-coriander) paired with a crispy yet soft edible basket that contrasts with the tender wrap. Customizable heat levels from mild to fiery.
Cultural Fusion: Inspired by Lebanese wraps (adapted with Indian flavors), Mumbai street food staple since the 1960s, with a modern gourmet twist using the edible basket presentation.
Ingredients
For the Paratha (Wrap):
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Water (as needed)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 300g boneless chicken, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp tandoori masala
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For the Basket:
- 1 cup refined flour (for edible basket)
- 1 egg (for binding, optional)
- Oil (for frying)
For Assembly:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 capsicum, sliced
- 1/4 cup mint chutney
- 1/4 cup schezwan sauce
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
Instructions
Make the Paratha
Knead flour, salt, oil, and water into a soft dough. Rest for 20 mins. Roll into thin circles and cook on a tawa until golden.
Prepare the Chicken
Marinate chicken with yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt for 30 mins. Grill or pan-fry until cooked.
Create the Edible Basket
Mix refined flour with water (and egg if using) into a thick batter. Press into a basket mold or free-form weave in hot oil. Fry until crisp.
Assemble the Frankie Basket
Spread mint chutney and schezwan sauce on paratha. Layer chicken, onions, capsicum, and cheese. Roll tightly and place inside the edible basket.
5 Gourmet Variations
- Paneer Tikka Frankie Basket — Replace chicken with grilled paneer tikka. Add tandoori mayo for creaminess.
- Egg Bhurji Frankie Basket — Use spicy scrambled eggs as filling. Top with green chutney and pickled onions.
- Keema Frankie Basket — Fill with spicy minced lamb or chicken keema. Garnish with fried onions and coriander.
- Vegan BBQ Soya Frankie Basket — Marinate soya chunks in BBQ sauce. Add shredded lettuce and vegan mayo.
- Schezwan Potato Frankie Basket — Spiced mashed potatoes + schezwan sauce. Perfect for a budget-friendly version.
Tips & Tricks
- Paratha Perfection: Knead well for softness. Cook on medium heat to avoid dryness.
- Filling Tricks: Pre-cook fillings for quick assembly. Drain excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Basket Hacks: Use a muffin tin as a mold for uniform baskets. Keep baskets airtight to retain crispness.
- Serving: Brush the basket with garlic butter for extra flavor. Pair with mint-coriander chutney, tamarind-date chutney, or garlic mayo.