Bhel Puri is a beloved Indian street food snack renowned for its explosive mix of textures and flavors. It combines puffed rice, crunchy sev (chickpea noodles), diced potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and a medley of tangy and spicy chutneys. Tossed together with spices like chaat masala and served fresh, it’s a zesty, delightful treat that’s both savory and refreshing.
Here’s a detailed recipe to make Bhel Puri at home:
Ingredients:
For Bhel Mix:
- 2 cups puffed rice (murmura)
- 1 cup sev (thin, crispy chickpea noodles)
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup boiled potatoes, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro (coriander leaves), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup raw mango, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 7-8 mini Papdi (store bought)
- 2-3 tablespoons roasted chickpeas (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons tamarind chutney
- 2-3 tablespoons green chutney (coriander-mint chutney)
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
For Green Chutney:
- 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1-inch ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
For Tamarind Chutney:
- 1 cup tamarind pulp (soaked in warm water and strained)
- 3/4 cup dates, deseeded and chopped
- 1 cup jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions:
1. Prepare Chutneys:
- For Green Chutney: Blend coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, ginger, lemon juice, salt, and a little water into a smooth paste. Adjust consistency by adding water as needed. Set aside.
- For Tamarind Chutney: In a saucepan, combine tamarind pulp, dates, jaggery or sugar, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, black salt, regular salt, and water. Cook on medium heat until it thickens to a saucy consistency. Let it cool and then strain to remove any fibers or seeds. Set aside.
2. Prepare Bhel Mix:
- In a large mixing bowl, add puffed rice, chopped onions, boiled potatoes, tomatoes, cilantro, raw mango (if using), roasted peanuts, roasted chickpeas (if using), papdi and sev.
- Add tamarind chutney, green chutney, chaat masala, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice (if using). Mix everything gently until well combined.
3. Serve:
- Garnish with additional sev, cilantro leaves, and a drizzle of chutneys on top.
- Serve immediately in bowls or paper cones.
Adjust the spice levels, tanginess, and sweetness according to your preference. Bhel Puri is best enjoyed fresh and can be customized with various ingredients like chopped fruits, crispy papdis, or even nylon sev for added texture.
