Introduction:
Bhel Puri is a beloved Indian street food that offers a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. It’s a combination of puffed rice, crunchy sev, tangy chutneys, and various fresh ingredients that make it a mouthwatering snack. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the recipe for making Bhel Puri, share some helpful tips, and explore some exciting variants to elevate your Bhel Puri experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups puffed rice (murmura)
- 1 cup sev (crispy chickpea noodles)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 2-3 tablespoons tamarind chutney
- 1-2 tablespoons green chutney (made from mint and coriander)
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by preparing your chutneys if you don’t have them ready. Tamarind chutney is made from tamarind pulp, jaggery, and a few spices. Green chutney is made from mint, coriander, green chilies, and some seasonings.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the puffed rice.
- Add the sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves to the puffed rice.
- Add the roasted peanuts for some extra crunch.
- Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt over the mixture. Adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Now, drizzle tamarind chutney and green chutney over the ingredients. Use a little at first, and then adjust to your liking. You can always add more if needed.
- Gently toss and mix all the ingredients together to ensure even coating of chutneys and spices.
- Taste the Bhel Puri and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more chutney, salt, or spices.
- If you like it tangier, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the mixture.
- Serve the Bhel Puri immediately in individual bowls or plates. It’s best enjoyed fresh and crunchy.
Tips for Making Perfect Bhel Puri:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spiciness and tanginess to suit your taste.
- Don’t let the puffed rice sit too long after adding the chutneys; it may become soggy.
- You can add chopped boiled potatoes or raw mango for added texture and flavor.
Variants of Bhel Puri:
- Sev Puri Bhel: Replace puffed rice with sev puris (small, crispy puris) for an extra layer of crunch.
- Jhal Muri: A popular Bengali variant that includes mustard oil, raw mustard seeds, and various spices for a unique flavor.
- Dahi Puri Bhel: Add yogurt and more chutneys to create a creamy and tangy twist on Bhel Puri.
- Fruit Bhel Puri: Incorporate chopped fruits like apples, pomegranate, and pineapple for a sweet and tangy Bhel.
- Kalaadi Bhel Puri: A fusion variant from Gujarat that uses fried kalaadi cheese instead of sev.
Now that you have the recipe, tips, and some exciting variants, you’re ready to enjoy Bhel Puri in all its glory. Have fun experimenting with different ingredients and creating your unique Bhel Puri experience!
Frequency Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: What is Bhel Puri?
Bhel Puri is a popular Indian street food snack made with puffed rice, sev (crispy chickpea noodles), chopped vegetables, and a medley of chutneys and spices. It’s known for its delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Q2:Can I buy puffed rice or do I have to make it at home?
You can buy puffed rice at most grocery stores. It’s readily available and saves time compared to making it at home. Look for it in the snack or cereal section.
Q3:How do I make tamarind chutney and green chutney for Bhel Puri?
Tamarind chutney is made from tamarind pulp, jaggery, and spices, while green chutney is made from mint, coriander, green chilies, and seasonings. You can find detailed recipes for both online or in our Bhel Puri blog post mentioned earlier.