Authentic Pani Puri Recipe

Pani puri is best when it's freshly assembled and eaten. The combination of crispy puris, spicy pani, and flavorful fillings makes it a delightful and popular street food in India.

Ingredients:

For the Puri (Shells):

• 1 cup semolina (suji)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• A pinch of baking soda
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for deep frying

For the Filling:

• 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup cooked black chickpeas (kala chana)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup boiled and chopped sprouts (optional)
• Tamarind chutney (imli chutney)
• Green chutney (mint and coriander chutney)
• Chaat masala, to taste
• Salt, to taste

For the Pani (Spiced Water):

• 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 1/4 cup coriander leaves
• 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black salt
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

Making the Puri (Shells):

1. In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, a pinch of baking soda, and a little salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a stiff dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
3. After resting, knead the dough again and divide it into small, equal-sized balls.
4. Roll each ball into a small puri-like disc, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once hot, gently slide in the rolled puris one by one.
6. Fry until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Making the Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the boiled and mashed potatoes, cooked black chickpeas, chopped onions, and sprouts (if using).
2. Season the mixture with chaat masala and salt to taste. Mix well.

Making the Pani (Spiced Water):

1. In a blender, combine tamarind pulp, mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, cumin seeds, black salt, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and regular salt.
2. Blend everything together until you get a smooth, thick paste.
3. Transfer the paste to a large bowl and add water to achieve your desired consistency. Adjust salt and spices as needed.

Assembling the Pani Puri:

1. Gently make a hole in the center of each puri, creating a hollow cavity.
2. Stuff the puris with the prepared filling mixture.
3. Dip each stuffed puri into the spicy pani to fill it with the flavored water.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in your mouth!

Pani Puri is best when served fresh. You can customize the level of spiciness and tanginess in the plane to suit your taste. Enjoy this delicious and iconic Indian street food!