Pani Puri: The Ultimate Indian Street Food
Pani puri is a popular Indian street food that is made with crispy fried shells called puris, a tangy and spicy water called pani, and a variety of fillings. It is a delicious and refreshing snack that is perfect for a hot day.
Origins of Pani Puri
The origins of pani puri are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Indian state of Bihar. The dish is thought to have been brought to Bihar by traders from the Middle East, who were inspired by the Middle Eastern dish falafel.
Pani puri quickly became popular in Bihar, and it spread to other parts of India. Today, it is a popular street food in all parts of India, and it is also enjoyed in other parts of the world, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
What Makes Pani Puri Unique?
There are a few things that make pani puri unique. First, the puris are made with semolina, which gives them a unique flavor and texture. Second, the pani is a blend of tamarind, jaggery, spices, and water, which gives it a tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor. Third, the fillings can be varied, but they typically include mashed potatoes, onions, cilantro, sev (fried gram flour noodles), and green chilies.
How to Make Pani Puri
Making pani puri is relatively easy. The first step is to make the puris. To do this, combine semolina, salt, and soda water in a bowl. Mix well until a dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 3-inch circle. Heat the oil in a deep-frying pan over medium heat. Fry the puris in batches until golden brown. Drain the puris on paper towels.
To make the pani, combine tamarind pulp, jaggery, cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, chili powder, and hing in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add the water and blend again until smooth.
To assemble the pani puris, fill each puri with a small amount of mashed potatoes, onion, cilantro, sev, and green chili. Top with the pani and enjoy!
Ingredients
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For the puris:
- 1 cup semolina (rava)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chilled soda water
- Oil for deep-frying
- 1 cup semolina (rava)
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For the pani:
- 1 cup tamarind pulp
- 3 tablespoons jaggery or sugar
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
- 4 cups water
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For the filling:
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sev (fried gram flour noodles)
- 1/4 cup chopped green chilies
Instructions
- To make the puris, combine the semolina, salt, and soda water in a bowl. Mix well until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a 3-inch circle.
- Heat the oil in a deep-frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the puris in batches until golden brown.
- Drain the puris on paper towels.
- To make the pani, combine the tamarind pulp, jaggery, cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, chili powder, and hing in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add the water and blend again until smooth.
- To assemble the pani puris, fill each puri with a small amount of mashed potatoes, onion, cilantro, sev, and green chili.
- Top with the pani and enjoy!
TipsDinner Ideas
- For the best results, use fresh tamarind pulp. If you can’t find fresh tamarind, you can use tamarind paste or concentrate.
- If you don’t have chilled soda water, you can use regular soda water. However, the pani will be less fizzy.
- You can adjust the amount of jaggery or sugar to taste.
- If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the chili powder.
- You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as boiled chickpeas, grated carrots, or chopped peanuts.
Enjoy!
Pani puri is a delicious and refreshing snack that is perfect for a hot day. It is easy to make, and it can be customized to your liking. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying snack, be sure to try pani puri!
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FAQs
What is the difference between pani puri and gol gappa?
Pani puri and gol gappa are two different names for the same dish. The name pani puri is more common in North India, while the name gol gappa is more common in South India.
Is pani puri healthy?
Pani puri is not a very healthy food. It is high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What are some of the health risks associated with pani puri?
Some of the health risks associated with pani puri include:
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
How can I make pani puri healthier?
There are a few ways to make pani puri healthier:
- Use whole wheat puris instead of white puris.
- Use less oil when frying the puris.
- Use less sugar in the pani.
- Add more vegetables to the filling.
Where can I buy pani puri?
Pani puri is a popular street food in India, so it is easy to find it being sold by street vendors. You can also find pani puri in many Indian restaurants.
How do I store pani puri?
Pani puri is best eaten fresh. However, if you need to store it, you can store the puris in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. The pani can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
