Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a beloved Indian street food that offers a burst of flavors and a unique culinary experience. This delightful snack consists of crispy puris filled with a savory mixture of potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and spices, served with a tangy and spicy pani (water). Making Pani Puri at home allows you to recreate the authentic flavors and enjoy this popular street food in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Puri:
- – 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
- – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- – Water (as needed)
- – Oil (for deep frying)
For the Pani (Spicy Water):
- – 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- – 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
- – 1 small green chili (adjust to taste)
- – 1-inch piece of ginger
- – 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- – 1 teaspoon black salt
- – 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- – 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
- – Juice of 1 lemon
- – Salt to taste
- – 4 cups chilled water
For the Filling:
- – 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- – 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas
- – 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- – 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes
- – 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- – Chaat masala to taste
- – Salt to taste
Instructions:
Puri Preparation:
- – In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- – Gradually add water and knead to form a stiff dough.
- – Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- – After resting, knead the dough again and divide it into small portions.
- – Roll each portion into a thin circle (around 2 inches in diameter).
- – Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat.
- – Once the oil is hot, carefully slide a puri into the oil and press it gently with a slotted spoon.
- – Fry until the puri puffs up and turns golden brown.
- – Remove the puri from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- – Repeat the process for the remaining dough portions.
Pani Preparation:
- – In a blender, combine mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chili, ginger, roasted cumin powder, black salt, chaat masala, tamarind pulp, lemon juice, and salt.
- – Blend until you get a smooth paste.
- – Transfer the paste to a large mixing bowl.
- – Add chilled water to the bowl and mix well.
- – Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- – Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pani for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Filling Preparation:
- – In a bowl, mix boiled and mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas, finely chopped onions, finely chopped tomatoes, chopped coriander leaves, chaat masala, and salt.
- – Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Assembling Pani Puri:
- – Take a puri and gently make a small hole in the center using your finger.
- – Fill the puri with a spoonful of the prepared filling.
- – Dip the filled puri into the chilled pani.
- – Place the puri in your mouth and enjoy the burst of flavors.
- – Repeat the process for the remaining puris.
Serve the homemade pani puri immediately and enjoy the tangy, spicy, and delicious flavors. You can adjust the spiciness and tanginess of the pani according to your taste.