Masala Puri Chaat Recipe: A Delightful Indian Snack
Masala Puri Chaat is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for any snack time, especially when paired with a steaming cup of masala chai. This classic Indian street food combines the crunchy texture of fried pani puris with the rich, spicy goodness of a green pea masala, all topped off with fresh vegetables, sev, and tangy lemon juice. It’s a simple yet satisfying snack that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of India.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried Green Peas (Vatana) | 2 cups |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Fried Pani Puris | 2 cups |
| Sev (thin) | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 2 whole |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
Cuisine
- Indian
Course
- Snack
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
To prepare Masala Puri Chaat, follow these simple steps to create a delightful snack that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
-
Soak and Cook the Green Peas:
Begin by washing and soaking the dried green peas (Vatana) overnight. The next morning, wash them again, drain, and cook them in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water for about 3 whistles. Once cooked, set the peas aside to cool. -
Prepare the Masala Powder:
In a dry pan, roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and dry red chillies until they become aromatic. Let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a mixer or grinder. -
Prepare the Green Peas Masala:
Place the cooked green peas back on the heat. Add the freshly ground masala powder to the peas and stir. Season with salt to taste. Use the back of a ladle to lightly mash the peas, ensuring a smooth yet chunky consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to adjust the texture. Simmer for a few minutes and then turn off the heat. -
Assemble the Chaat:
To serve the Masala Puri Chaat, take a plate and roughly crush a handful of fried pani puris. Pour a couple of ladles of the hot green peas masala over the puris. Drizzle a teaspoon of green chutney (a blend of coriander and mint) on top for extra flavor. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the chaat with a few teaspoons of finely chopped onions and tomatoes, a generous sprinkle of sev, and some fresh coriander leaves. Squeeze the juice of 1/4th lemon over the top for a tangy kick. Serve immediately and enjoy this irresistible snack!
Tips for the Perfect Masala Puri Chaat
- Use Freshly Roasted Spices: The freshly ground spice powder adds a unique and aromatic depth to the masala. Roasting the coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds is essential for achieving the right flavor.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chillies to suit your spice preference. You can increase or decrease the number of chillies based on how hot you like your food.
- Choose the Right Pani Puris: For the best crunch, ensure the pani puris you use are freshly fried and crispy. If you don’t have access to store-bought pani puris, you can fry small puris at home using plain dough.
- Serve Immediately: To maintain the crunchiness of the puris, assemble the chaat just before serving. The puris tend to lose their crispiness when they are soaked in the masala for too long.
Serving Suggestions
Masala Puri Chaat is an excellent snack for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea party or a chaat gathering. It pairs wonderfully with other classic chaat recipes like Peanut Chaat with Spiced Yogurt or Homemade Canape Papdi Chaat. For a complete Indian meal, serve it alongside a cup of Masala Chai to bring out the full flavors.
This chaat recipe is also great for your next chaat party, offering your guests a savory and flavorful option that will surely leave them coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing it for a small family gathering or a larger event, Masala Puri Chaat will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
