Introduction to Pani Puri

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a popular Indian street food that’s loved for its burst of flavors and textures. This delightful snack consists of crispy, hollow puris filled with a mixture of spicy, tangy water (pani), mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind chutney. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an irresistible treat. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a party appetizer, Pani Puri is a crowd-pleaser that’s fun to make and eat. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Pani Puri at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pani Puri recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients to recreate the authentic flavors of street-style Pani Puri. The combination of crispy puris, flavorful pani, and delicious fillings makes it a standout dish. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the spice level and ensure hygiene. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a quick snack, this Pani Puri is sure to impress.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Pani Puri at home:

For the Puris:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil (for deep frying)

For the Pani (Spicy Water):

• 1 cup mint leaves
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
• 2-3 green chilies
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon black salt
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups cold water

For the Filling:

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

For Serving:

• Tamarind chutney
• Chopped onions (optional)
• Sev (optional)

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puris

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix semolina, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Add water gradually to form a stiff dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes.
2. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Roll the Dough: Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin circles (about 2 inches in diameter).
4. Fry the Puris: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the puris on medium heat until they puff up and turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let them cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Pani

1. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine mint leaves, cilantro leaves, green chilies, ginger, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, black salt, tamarind paste, sugar, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste.
2. Mix with Water: Transfer the paste to a large bowl and mix with cold water. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas, red chili powder, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Pani Puri

1. Make a Hole: Gently make a small hole in the center of each puri.
2. Add the Filling: Fill each puri with a spoonful of the potato-chickpea mixture.
3. Add Pani: Dip the filled puri into the chilled pani or pour the pani into the puri using a spoon.
4. Serve Immediately: Enjoy immediately to maintain the crispiness of the puris.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Toppings: Optionally, top with tamarind chutney, chopped onions, or sev.
2. Serve: Serve the Pani Puri on a platter and enjoy!

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Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Health Benefits of Pani Puri

While Pani Puri is an indulgent snack, it offers several health benefits when made with fresh ingredients:

1. Rich in Fiber: Chickpeas and potatoes provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
2. Antioxidants: Mint and cilantro are rich in antioxidants, which promote overall health.
3. Probiotics: Tamarind and spices like ginger aid digestion and boost immunity.
4. Low in Calories: When made with minimal oil, Pani Puri can be a relatively low-calorie snack.

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Ending Notes and Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will enhance the flavor of the pani.
2. Adjust Spice Level: Use fewer green chilies or remove the seeds to reduce the heat.
3. Serve Immediately: Pani Puri is best enjoyed fresh, as the puris may become soggy over time.
4. Store Separately: Store puris, pani, and fillings separately to maintain their texture.
5. Experiment with Fillings: Add sprouts or boiled moong for added nutrition.