Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Phuchka in different regions of India, is a popular street snack that consists of a round, hollow puri (a deep-fried crisp crepe) filled with a mixture of flavored water (pani), tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas. It is a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, bursting in your mouth with each bite. The puri is small enough to fit whole into one’s mouth, making it a fun and exciting eat.
Recipe for Pani Puri:
Ingredients:
- For the Puri:
- 1 cup semolina (sooji)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Water as needed
- Oil, for deep frying
- For the Pani (Spicy Water):
- 1 cup mint leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro (coriander leaves)
- 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
Special Utensils and Appliances Needed:
- Deep fryer or a heavy bottomed pan for frying
- Rolling pin
- Small round cookie cutter or a small glass
- Blender or food processor for pani
- Mixing bowls
Directions:
- Prepare the Puri:
- In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Add water gradually and knead to a stiff dough. Cover and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle. Use a cookie cutter to cut perfect rounds.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan. Fry the puris until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Pani:
- In a blender, combine mint leaves, cilantro, green chilies, ginger, tamarind paste, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt with a bit of water and blend to a smooth paste.
- Mix this paste with cold water and adjust seasonings as per taste. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix mashed potatoes, chickpeas, chili powder, chaat masala, salt, and onion (if using) in a bowl.
- Assemble Pani Puri:
- Crack the top of the puri gently to make a small hole. Fill each puri with a spoonful of the prepared filling.
- Serve filled puris alongside the spicy pani. To eat, dip the stuffed puri into the pani and consume immediately.
Enjoy this delightful and refreshing snack at any time of the day!