Pani Puri: The Ultimate Indian Street Food

Introduction

Pani Puri, also known as Gol Gappa, is a popular street food in India. It is a crispy and flavorful snack that is perfect for any occasion. The dish consists of a hollow, crispy puri that is filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and onions. The puri is then dipped in a spicy water made with tamarind and mint-coriander chutney, and finally topped with sev. Pani Puri is loved by people of all ages and is a must-try when visiting India.

Ingredients

• 100g semolina
• 50g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 150ml water
• 1 cup tamarind chutney
• 1 cup mint-coriander chutney
• 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1 cup boiled chickpeas
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup sev
• 1 cup spicy water (made by mixing tamarind chutney and mint-coriander chutney with water)
• 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, add semolina, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix well. Add water and knead a stiff dough.
2. Cover and rest the dough for 20 minutes.
3. Roll out small portions of the dough into thin puris.
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry puris till golden brown. Store in an airtight container.
5. In a large bowl, mix boiled and mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas, chopped onions, and chopped coriander leaves. Add salt and spices to taste.
6. In a separate bowl, mix tamarind chutney and mint-coriander chutney with water to make spicy water.
7. To serve, make a small hole in the puri, fill it with the potato and chickpea mixture, dip it in the spicy water, and top it with sev.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

The Pani Puri recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by omitting the sev or replacing it with roasted peanuts.

Non-Spicy Version

If you don’t like spicy food, you can make a non-spicy version of Pani Puri by replacing the spicy water with sweet tamarind chutney.

Fruit Pani Puri

For a fruity twist, you can add chopped fruits like mango, pineapple, or pomegranate to the potato and chickpea mixture.

Baked Pani Puri

If you want to avoid deep-frying, you can bake the puris in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Conclusion

Pani Puri is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you can make the crispy, flavorful snack at home and impress your friends and family. Whether you make the classic version or try one of the variations, Pani Puri is sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate Indian street food!

FAQ

What is Pani Puri?

Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food snack consisting of small crispy puri shells filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas and served with a tangy and spicy water.

Can I make Pani Puri at home?

Yes, you can make Pani Puri at home. You can buy the puri shells and the ingredients for the filling and the water at an Indian grocery store or make them from scratch.

How do I store Pani Puri?

Pani Puri is best consumed fresh, but you can store the puri shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The filling and the water should be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Can I make Pani Puri without chickpeas?

Yes, you can make Pani Puri without chickpeas. You can substitute them with boiled green peas or mashed boiled potatoes.

How do I make the Pani Puri water?

To make the Pani Puri water, blend mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, tamarind paste, black salt, cumin powder, and water in a blender until smooth. Strain the mixture and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Can I make the Pani Puri water in advance?

Yes, you can make the Pani Puri water in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it is best consumed fresh.

How do I assemble the Pani Puri?

To assemble the Pani Puri, gently crack the top of the puri shell, fill it with the spiced potato and chickpea filling, and dip it into the Pani Puri water. Pop the entire puri shell into your mouth and enjoy the burst of flavors.

Can I make Pani Puri gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Pani Puri gluten-free by using gluten-free puri shells or making the puri shells from gluten-free flours like chickpea flour or rice flour.

How spicy is Pani Puri?

Pani Puri is spicy, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less green chilies or black salt to the Pani Puri water.

What are some variations of Pani Puri?

Some variations of Pani Puri include adding boiled moong sprouts or sev (crispy chickpea noodles) to the filling, using sweet tamarind chutney instead of the Pani Puri water, or serving the Pani Puri with a dollop of yogurt.