Pani Puri Recipe: A Delicious Indian Street Food Delight

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is one of the most popular street foods in India. This delightful snack consists of crispy, hollow puris filled with tangy, spicy, and flavorful pani (water), along with a mixture of spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind chutney. The explosion of flavors and textures in every bite makes Pani Puri a favorite among people of all ages. Making this at home allows you to enjoy a hygienic and customized version of this classic Indian street food. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious and refreshing Pani Puri at home.

Ingredients

For the Puri

• 1 cup semolina (sooji)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• A pinch of baking soda
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for deep frying

For the Pani (Flavored Water)

• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• 1/2 cup coriander leaves
• 1-2 green chilies
• 1-inch ginger piece
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black salt
• 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups cold water

For the Filling

• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Puri: In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead into a stiff dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. Roll out small portions of the dough into thin circles and deep fry them in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.

2. Make the Pani (Flavored Water): In a blender, combine mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, tamarind pulp, lemon juice, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add 3 cups of cold water to the mixture and stir well. Adjust seasoning if needed and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together boiled and mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas, chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

4. Assemble the Pani Puri: Crack a small hole in the center of each puri. Fill each puri with a spoonful of the potato-chickpea mixture. Dip or fill the puris with the prepared pani. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Conclusion

Pani Puri is a flavorful and satisfying snack that brings the taste of Indian street food right to your kitchen. While this dish can be a part of a balanced diet, it's important to ensure that it aligns with your specific health and dietary needs. Before trying any new recipes, it's always a good idea to consult with a dietician or reach out to Dietician Natasha Mohan. She offers a comprehensive Sattvic Diet Food Chart that caters to different health goals and can help you make informed decisions about your diet.