Bhel Puri Recipe – A Delightful Indian Street Food & Tea Time Snack
Bhel Puri is a classic and beloved Indian street food that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mumbai. This delightful snack is a perfect combination of crunchy, tangy, spicy, and sweet elements, making it a favorite choice for tea time or an afternoon treat. Made from puffed rice and a variety of fresh, raw ingredients, Bhel Puri is easy to prepare, quick to assemble, and packed with bold flavors. Whether served on a busy street corner in Mumbai or enjoyed at home with family and friends, this snack is sure to please anyone with a taste for Indian cuisine.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients for Mumbai Style Bhel Puri
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puffed rice | 4 cups |
| Sev (crispy noodles) | 100 grams |
| Papdi puris (crispy puris) | 100 grams |
| Onion, finely chopped | 2 |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 2 |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Cucumber, peeled and finely chopped | 1 |
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled, peeled and cubed | 1 |
| Anardana Powder (Pomegranate Seed Powder) | 1/4 cup |
| Raw Mango, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali), crushed | 4 tablespoons |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sweet Chutney (Date & Tamarind) | 4 tablespoons |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | 2 sprigs |
Instructions for Preparing Bhel Puri
Step 1: Prepare the chutneys and ingredients
Start by preparing the Green Chutney (made with coriander and mint) and the Sweet Tamarind Chutney (date and tamarind), keeping them aside for later use. These chutneys are crucial to bring out the tangy, savory notes in the snack.
Step 2: Boil and chop the potatoes
In a pressure cooker, boil the potatoes until soft. Peel the potatoes, cut them into small cubes, and set them aside to cool. This will help maintain their texture when mixed into the Bhel Puri.
Step 3: Assemble the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the puffed rice, papdi puris, anardana powder, roasted peanuts, chaat masala powder, and salt. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed. This forms the crunchy base of the dish.
Step 4: Add the fresh vegetables and fruits
Now, add the freshly chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, cucumber, boiled potatoes, and raw mango to the dry mixture. Add in the chopped coriander leaves as well. Mix everything gently, ensuring the flavors are combined without breaking the puffed rice.
Step 5: Finish with chutneys
Pour in the green chutney and the sweet tamarind chutney to the mixture. These chutneys are essential for giving the Bhel Puri its signature sweet, sour, and spicy flavor. Stir everything well to ensure that the chutneys coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
To finish, garnish the Bhel Puri with a generous sprinkling of sev (crispy noodles) and a few more fresh coriander leaves. The sev adds an extra crunch and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Serve your Mumbai Style Bhel Puri immediately to enjoy its freshness and crispiness. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of Masala Chai, making it an ideal choice for a tea time snack.
Tips for the Perfect Bhel Puri
- Customize the heat: Adjust the number of green chillies to suit your spice preference. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of green chillies or leave them out altogether.
- Freshness is key: To get the best texture and flavor, make sure to assemble the Bhel Puri just before serving. The puffed rice can become soggy if left too long, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Variation: For a variation, you can add boiled chickpeas or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also switch up the raw mango for pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and tang.
- Papdi puris: These crispy, round puris are essential for that crunch factor, but if you can’t find them, substitute with crispy tortilla chips or crackers for a similar texture.
Enjoy this Bhel Puri Recipe as a fun, flavorful snack that combines the essence of Indian street food with the ease of preparing it at home. Perfect for gatherings, tea-time indulgence, or as an appetizer to your next meal, this dish is sure to delight every palate with its delightful medley of tastes.
