Snack

Pani Puri

Stack of golden brown pani puri shells on a plate next to small bowls of green mint water, sweet tamarind chutney, and spicy potato chickpea filling
Prep
45 mins
Cook
30 mins
Servings
4
IndianMediumSnackVegetarianVeganDairy FreeGluten Free

About this dish

Pani puri, also known as golgappa or puchka, is a beloved Indian street food featuring hollow, crispy puri shells filled with spicy, tangy flavored water (pani), boiled chickpeas, potatoes, and chutneys. This version comes with a detailed guide to making the pani and filling from scratch, ensuring an authentic burst of flavors in every bite.

Perfect for parties or a fun weekend snack, this recipe lets you recreate the magic of Indian chaat at home.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Semolina

grain

1 cup

All-purpose flour

grain

2 tablespoons

Warm water

liquid

1/2 cup (approx.)

Salt

seasoning

1/2 teaspoon

Oil for deep frying

fat

as needed

Fresh mint leaves

herb

1 cup packed

Fresh coriander leaves

herb

1 cup packed

Green chillies

vegetable

2-3

Ginger

herb

1-inch piece

Tamarind paste

other

2 tablespoons

Pitted dates

fruit

1/4 cup

Cumin seeds

spice

1 teaspoon

Black salt

seasoning

1 teaspoon

Roasted cumin powder

spice

1 teaspoon

Chaat masala

seasoning

1 teaspoon

Boiled potatoes (diced)

vegetable

1 cup

Boiled chickpeas

protein

1/2 cup

Onion, finely chopped

vegetable

1/4 cup

Fresh coriander chutney

other

1/4 cup

Sweet tamarind chutney

other

1/4 cup

Roasted vermicelli (optional)

grain

2 tablespoons

Method

1

Make the puri dough

PT25M

In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, and salt. Slowly add warm water and knead into a stiff dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.

2

Prepare the pani (spiced water)

PT10M

In a blender, combine mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger, and 1/2 cup water. Blend into a smooth paste. Transfer to a large bowl, add 2 cups cold water, black salt, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and mix well. Adjust salt and spice to taste. Refrigerate until serving.

3

Make the sweet tamarind chutney

PT20M

Soak tamarind paste and dates in 1/2 cup warm water for 15 minutes. Blend into a smooth paste. In a small pan, heat the paste with 1/4 cup water, cumin seeds, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 2 minutes until thickened. Let cool.

4

Prepare the filling

PT5M

In a bowl, mix diced boiled potatoes, boiled chickpeas, chopped onion (if using), and a pinch of chaat masala. Set aside.

5

Roll and fry the puris

PT30M

Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a marble). Roll each into a thin round disc (approx. 2 inches diameter). Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the puris in batches: gently press each disc into the oil with a slotted spoon; it will puff up. Fry until golden and crisp, about 30 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels.

6

Assemble the pani puri

PT10M

Make a small hole in the top of each puri. Fill with a spoonful of potato-chickpea mixture. Add a drizzle of tamarind chutney and coriander chutney if desired. Top with a spoonful of the chilled pani. Serve immediately, as the puris will soften if left standing.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Deep fryer or skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Blender
  • Small saucepan
  • Serving bowls

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
8 g
Protein
65 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
780 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • For extra crispy puris, ensure the dough is stiff and rest it well, this allows the gluten to relax and helps the puris puff evenly.
  • The pani can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, the flavors meld beautifully over time.
  • If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the green chillies in the pani and add a little more mint for freshness.
  • Leftover puris can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, re-crisp them in a hot oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve pani puri immediately after assembling, ideally outdoors or at a party where guests can enjoy the burst of flavors fresh. Pair with extra bowls of pani, tamarind chutney, and filled puris so everyone can assemble their own.

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Anaya Patel

Recipe by

Anaya Patel

Specialises in Indian cuisine

Anaya makes a mean dal makhani and owns 14 types of lentils. She alphabetizes them.

Describe yourself in three words: Organized, nerdy, lentil lover.