Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a beloved Indian street food that tantalizes the taste buds with its explosion of flavors. This snack consists of crispy, hollow puris filled with a spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavored water (pani) and a savory stuffing, usually made from boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and various spices. Each bite delivers a burst of spicy, tangy, and sweet sensations, making it a favorite among all age groups. Pani Puri is enjoyed across India and is a staple at street food stalls and during festive celebrations.
Ingredients:
**For Puri:**
- Semolina (sooji/rava): 1 cup
- All-purpose flour (maida): 1 tablespoon
- Baking soda: a pinch
- Water: as needed
- Oil: for deep frying
**For Pani (Spicy Water):**
- Fresh coriander leaves: 1 cup
- Fresh mint leaves: 1/2 cup
- Green chilies: 2-3 (adjust to taste)
- Tamarind pulp: 2 tablespoons
- Black salt: 1 teaspoon
- Roasted cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
- Chaat masala: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Cold water: 4 cups
- Lemon juice: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
**For Filling:**
- Boiled potatoes: 2, peeled and mashed
- Boiled chickpeas: 1/2 cup
- Chopped onions: 1/2 cup
- Chopped coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons
- Chaat masala: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Add water little by little and knead to form a stiff dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
2. **Roll and Fry:**
- Knead the dough again and divide it into small portions.
- Roll each portion into small, thin discs.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the rolled discs in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Let them cool completely to become crisp.
3. **Blend the Ingredients:**
- In a blender, add fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies, tamarind pulp, black salt, roasted cumin powder, chat masala, and salt.
- Add a little water and blend until smooth.
4. **Prepare the Pani:**
- Strain the blended mixture to remove any coarse particles.
- Add the strained mixture to 4 cups of cold water.
- Add lemon juice and adjust salt as needed.
- Refrigerate the pani until ready to serve
5. **Mix the Ingredients:**
- In a bowl, combine mashed boiled potatoes, boiled chickpeas, chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, chat masala, red chilli powder, and salt.
- Mix well and set aside.
6. **Serve:**
- Crack the top of each puri to make a hole.
- Stuff with a small amount of the potato-chickpea filling.
- Dip each filled puri into the prepared pani or spoon the pani over the filling.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Pani Puri is a delightful and refreshing street food that combines spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in one bite. Enjoy making and relishing this popular Indian snack!