Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka in different regions of India, is a popular Indian street food snack. It consists of hollow, crispy balls filled with a mixture of spicy tangy water, potatoes, and chickpeas.A step-by-step guide on how to make Pani Puri at home:
Ingredients:
For the Puri (Crispy Balls):
- 1 cup semolina (sooji or rava)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- A pinch of baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed to make a stiff dough)
- Oil for deep frying
For the Pani (Spicy Water):
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1-2 green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 small tomato, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste or pulp
- 1/4 cup jaggery or sugar
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups boiled and chopped potatoes
- 1 cup boiled chickpeas (optional)
- Chaat masala (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Puri:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Make the Dough:
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients to form a stiff dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and pliable.
3. Rest the Dough:
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
4. Roll Out Puri:
- After resting, knead the dough briefly again. Then, divide it into small, lemon-sized balls.
- Roll each ball into a thin disc, about 2-3 inches in diameter, using a rolling pin. The puris should be very thin.
5. Heat Oil:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
6. Fry the Puri:
- Carefully slide the rolled puris into the hot oil one at a time. Press down gently with a slotted spoon to puff them up.
- Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Pani (Spicy Water):
7. Blend Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, onion, tomato, tamarind paste or pulp, jaggery or sugar, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt.
- Blend until you get a smooth paste.
8. Dilute with Water:
- Transfer the paste to a large mixing bowl and add 2-3 cups of water. Adjust the amount of water to your desired level of spiciness and tanginess.
Assemble the Pani Puri:
9. Make a Hole in the Puri:
- Gently tap the center of each puri with your thumb to create a small hole.
10. Fill with Potatoes and Chickpeas:
- Stuff each puri with a small amount of chopped boiled potatoes and chickpeas (if using).
11. Pour in the Pani:
- Fill each puri with the prepared spicy water (pani). You can use a small spoon or a funnel.
12. Serve:
- Serve your homemade Pani Puri immediately while they are crisp and the pani is chilled.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Pani Puri, a popular Indian street food snack that bursts with flavor!