Introduction

 

The unmistakable aroma of street food wafting through the air, the tantalizing mix of flavors dancing on my taste buds — that's what comes to mind when I think of bhel. I vividly remember the first time I tried this beloved Indian snack. It was a bustling evening at a local market, and amidst the hustle and bustle, I stumbled upon a street vendor expertly tossing together ingredients to create the perfect bhel. From that moment on, I was hooked. Bhel isn't just a snack; it's a culinary adventure, a delightful medley of textures and tastes that never fails to delight.

 

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Ingredients:

 

Bhaja Masala:

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 5-6 green cardamom pods
• 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds

Jhal Muri:

• 1 cup puffed rice
• 1/2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp chana jor garam
• 1/4 cup boiled brown chana (chickpeas)
• 1/4 cup boiled white peas
• 2 tbsp chopped onion
• 1 tbsp chopped tomato
• 1/2 tbsp chopped green chili
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
• 1/4 cup boiled diced potatoes
• 2 tbsp sev (crispy chickpea noodles)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp amchur powder (dry mango powder)
• 1 tsp Bhaja Masala (prepared earlier)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh coconut
• 1 tbsp chopped raw mango
• 1 tbsp mustard oil (pickle oil)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

 

Instructions:

 

Prepare Bhaja Masala:

• Roast Spices: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add coriander seeds, fennel seeds, green cardamom pods, and cumin seeds. Lightly roast the spices until fragrant.
• Grind Spices: Transfer the roasted spices to a grinder or use a mortar and pestle. Grind them into a fine powder. Your Bhaja Masala is now ready.

Prepare Jhal Muri:

• Roast Puffed Rice: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add ghee and then puffed rice. Roast until the puffed rice becomes crispy. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• Mix Ingredients: To the bowl of puffed rice, add chana jor garam, boiled brown chana, boiled white peas, chopped onion, chopped tomato, chopped green chili, chopped fresh coriander, boiled diced potatoes, and sev. Mix all the ingredients well.
• Season and Flavor: Sprinkle salt and amchur powder over the mixture. Add 1 tsp of the prepared Bhaja Masala for extra flavor. Mix in chopped fresh coconut and chopped raw mango.
• Finish and Serve: Drizzle mustard oil and squeeze lemon juice over the mixture. Give everything a final mix, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined. Your Jhal Muri is now ready to be served!
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Enjoy this zesty and flavorful snack straight from the streets of Bengal, or serve it in paper cones for an authentic experience. Dive into the world of Indian street food and savor the unique combination of textures and spices in every bite!

 

 

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About the Recipe

 

Bhel is a popular Indian street food known for its crunchy texture, tangy flavors, and spicy kick. It typically consists of a base of puffed rice mixed with chopped vegetables, chutneys, spices, and crunchy toppings. The beauty of bhel lies in its versatility, with countless variations found across different regions of India. Whether you prefer the classic Mumbai-style bhel puri or the fiery flavors of the spicy jhaal moori from Kolkata, there's a bhel recipe to suit every palate. It's the perfect snack for any occasion, whether you're craving a quick bite on the go or hosting a lively gathering with friends and family.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Fresh Ingredients

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your bhel. Freshly chopped vegetables, crispy sev, and crunchy peanuts can elevate the taste of your bhel.

2. Balance of Flavors

Achieve the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory flavors by adjusting the quantities of chutneys and spices according to your taste preferences.

3. Mix Just Before Serving

To keep the bhel crispy and fresh, mix the ingredients just before serving. Puffed rice tends to lose its crunchiness when mixed with wet ingredients for too long.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Bhel pairs well with a variety of beverages, including refreshing lemonade, masala chai, or a cold glass of buttermilk. For a complete meal, serve bhel with other street food favorites like samosas, pakoras, or vada pav.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bhel

 

1. What is bhel? Bhel is a popular Indian street food snack made with a base of puffed rice mixed with chopped vegetables, chutneys, spices, and crunchy toppings.

2. What are the main ingredients in bhel? The main ingredients in bhel include puffed rice (murmura), chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, tamarind chutney, green chutney, spices, and crunchy toppings like sev and peanuts.

3. What are the different types of bhel? There are many variations of bhel found across India, including Mumbai-style bhel puri, Kolkata's spicy jhaal moori, and Gujarat's sweet and tangy dabeli.

4. Can I customize bhel to my taste preferences? Yes, bhel is highly customizable. You can adjust the ingredients and spices according to your taste preferences. Add more chutneys for extra tanginess or increase the spice level with chili powder or chopped green chilies.

5. Is bhel a healthy snack? Bhel can be a healthy snack when made with fresh ingredients and in moderation. It's low in fat and calories, and the inclusion of vegetables adds nutritional value.

6. How long does bhel stay fresh? Bhel is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain its crispiness and freshness. It tends to lose its crunchiness if stored for too long.

7. Can I make bhel in advance for a party? While it's best to mix bhel just before serving to retain its crunchiness, you can prepare the individual components in advance and assemble them when ready to serve.

8. Can I make bhel without puffed rice? Yes, you can substitute puffed rice with other crunchy ingredients like cornflakes, roasted chickpeas, or fried noodles to create a different variation of bhel.

9. Is bhel suitable for vegetarians? Yes, bhel is a vegetarian snack that excludes meat, fish, and eggs. It's enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike for its delicious flavors and crunchy texture.

10. Where can I find bhel? Bhel is commonly found at street food stalls, chaat shops, and restaurants specializing in Indian snacks. You can also make it at home using simple ingredients available at grocery stores.

 

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