Pani Puri Recipe


Pani Puri Recipe



10 mins
2-3 people
15 mins




Introduction

Let me take you on a journey through the streets of India, where the tantalizing aroma of Pani Puri fills the air and beckons every passerby. My first encounter with Pani Puri was nothing short of magical. I vividly remember the chaotic yet vibrant streets of Mumbai, where I stumbled upon a bustling Pani Puri vendor. Intrigued by the frenzy surrounding this humble snack, I decided to give it a try. As I took my first bite, the explosion of flavors - the crispiness of the puri, the tanginess of the spicy water, and the burst of freshness from the filling - left me utterly captivated. Since that unforgettable moment, Pani Puri has been more than just a snack to me; it's a celebration of life, culture, and the culinary heritage of India.

 

 

 

The Recipe of  Pani Puri

 

Ingredients:

For Puri:

  • 1 cup suji (semolina)

  • 4-5 tsp oil

  • Salt to taste

  • Oil for deep frying

For Green Masala:

  • ½ cup mint leaves

  • ½ cup coriander leaves

  • 2 green chilies

  • 2 tsp chopped ginger

  • 1 tsp roasted jeera (cumin) powder

  • 1 tsp amchur (dry mango) powder

  • ½ tsp Hing (asafoetida)

  • 1 tsp black salt

  • 10-12 ice cubes

  • 1 tsp chaat masala

  • 4-5 tsp lemon juice

  • ½ cup boondi (crispy chickpea flour balls)

For Flavored Pani:

  • 1 cup apple juice

  • 1-2 tsp chopped celery

  • 1-2 tsp chaat masala

  • ½ tsp jeera (cumin) powder

  • 1-2 tsp lemon juice

  • 1 cup tomato juice

  • 1 tsp chopped green chili

  • ½ tsp Hing (asafoetida)

  • ½ tsp black salt

  • ½ tsp jeera (cumin) powder

  • ½ tsp chaat masala

  • 1 cup cranberry juice

  • 2 tsp green chutney

  • ½ tsp black salt

  • ½ tsp jeera (cumin) powder

  • ½ tsp chaat masala

  • 1 cup pineapple juice

  • 1-2 tsp chopped mint leaves

  • 1-2 tsp chopped ginger

  • ½ tsp black salt

For Aloo Masala:

  • Boiled potato, mashed

  • Boiled chana (chickpeas)

  • Black salt to taste

  • Chaat masala to taste

  • Jeera powder

  • Chopped coriander leaves

 

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough for Puri
In a mixing bowl, combine suji and oil. Rub with fingers until the suji resembles breadcrumbs. Add salt and water to form a dough. Let the dough rest for 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Fry the Puris
After resting, make small balls from the dough and roll them out into puris. Deep fry the puris in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Green Masala
In a blender, combine mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, chopped ginger, roasted jeera powder, and Hing to make a fine chutney. Transfer the chutney to a bowl and add black salt, ice cubes, chaat masala, and lemon juice. Mix well. Add boondi to the green masala and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Prepare the Flavored Pani
In separate bowls of each juice (apple, tomato, cranberry, pineapple), add the respective flavor ingredients (as listed above) and mix well to prepare the flavored pani.

Step 5: Make the Aloo Masala
In a bowl, mix boiled mashed potato, boiled chana, black salt, chaat masala, jeera powder, and chopped coriander leaves to make the aloo masala.

Step 6: Assemble the Pani Puri
Make a small hole in the center of each puri. Fill each puri with aloo masala. Dip the filled puris in the flavored pani of your choice and enjoy the delicious Pani Puri!

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Phuchka, is a beloved street food delicacy enjoyed across India. It consists of hollow, crispy puris filled with a spicy and tangy water (pani), along with a flavorful mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and a variety of chutneys. This delightful snack is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a reflection of the diverse culinary traditions that thrive in the streets of India. Whether you're craving a quick bite on the go or planning a festive gathering, Pani Puri never fails to delight with its burst of flavors and textures.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  1. Crispy Puri: Ensure that the puris are crispy and hollow to hold the filling and pani without getting soggy.

  2. Balanced Flavors: Adjust the spiciness and tanginess of the pani according to your taste preferences by varying the amount of spices and tamarind chutney.

  3. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile of the filling and pani.

  4. Assembly Technique: Make a small hole in the center of each puri, fill it with the potato-chickpea mixture, and then dip it into the flavored water just before eating for the perfect balance of flavors.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Pani Puri pairs wonderfully with a refreshing beverage like sweetened lemonade or chilled coconut water. For those who prefer a more indulgent experience, pairing it with a creamy lassi or a soothing glass of buttermilk adds a delightful contrast to the spicy and tangy flavors of the snack.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What is Pani Puri?
    • Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food snack consisting of hollow puris filled with a spicy and tangy water, along with a flavorful mixture of potatoes, chickpeas, and chutneys.
  2. How do you eat Pani Puri?
    • To eat Pani Puri, make a small hole in the center of the puri, fill it with the potato-chickpea mixture, and then dip it into the flavored water before consuming it in one bite.
  3. What are the key ingredients in Pani Puri?
    • The key ingredients include puris, boiled potatoes, boiled chickpeas, tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, spices for the pani, and chopped onions.
  4. Is Pani Puri spicy?
    • Pani Puri can be made as spicy as desired by adjusting the amount of green chili and spices in the pani.
  5. Can Pani Puri be made ahead of time?
    • While the puris and fillings can be prepared in advance, it's best to assemble and enjoy Pani Puri immediately to maintain the crispiness of the puris.
  6. Can Pani Puri be served at parties?
    • Yes, Pani Puri is a popular party snack and can be set up as a DIY Pani Puri station where guests can assemble their own puris according to their taste preferences.
  7. Is Pani Puri gluten-free?
    • Traditional Pani Puri puris are made from wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, gluten-free puris made from alternative flours are available for those with dietary restrictions.
  8. What are the different variations of Pani Puri?
    • There are several variations of Pani Puri, including Ragda Pani Puri (with a spicy chickpea curry), Dahi Puri (with yogurt), and Sev Puri (topped with crispy sev).
  9. Can I make Pani Puri water ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the pani in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well-blended.
  10. Is Pani Puri vegan?
    • Yes, Pani Puri can be made vegan by omitting any dairy-based ingredients such as yogurt and ensuring that all chutneys and fillings are plant-based.