Pani Puri is a very famous Indian street food whereby crisply fried and hollow puris are filled with a tangy, spicy, flavorful water and savory filling. Here is a simple recipe to make Pani Puri at home:
Ingredients : For the Puri
- 1 cup semolina, sooji/rava
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour, maida
- A pinch baking soda
- Water, as required
- Oil, for frying
- For the Pani :
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1-2 green chilies, as per taste
- 1 inch piece of ginger
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups cold water
- For the Filling:
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas or black chickpeas, optional
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Puri
- In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour and a pinch of baking soda.
- Gradually add some water and knead the contents into firm dough.
- Cover with a damp cloth and rest the dough for 20-30 minutes.
- Then rest, knead again, and divide into small portions.
- Roll out into small circles of about 2 inches in diameter and of medium thickness.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai. Fry the puris in hot oil till they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Take out the puris from the oil and drain on paper towels. Keep aside to cool and crisp up.
Step 2: To make the Pani (Spicy Water)
- In a blender, blend mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, tamarind paste, and lemon juice into a smooth paste.
- Take the paste in a big bowl and add cold water.
- Add cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt and regular salt. Mix well.
- Finally, adjust the seasoning and refrigerate the pani until serving time.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mash potatoes with boiled chickpeas—this is optional.
- Add chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Pani Puri
- Open a small hole in the center of each puri, taking a little care.
- Fill every puri with a small amount of potato filling.
Now, dip the filled puri into the chilled pani, or pour the pani inside. Serve immediately and enjoy! Tips: You can add a sweet tamarind chutney to the filling for a sweet and tangy twist. For added spice, increase the quantity of green chilies in the pani. Serve pani puri with extra pani on the side to really enjoy the flavors.