Snack
Pani Puri

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
grain1 cup
All-purpose flour
grain2 tablespoons
Warm water
liquid1/2 cup (approx.)
Salt
seasoning1/2 teaspoon
Oil for deep frying
fatas needed
Fresh mint leaves
herb1 cup packed
Fresh coriander leaves
herb1 cup packed
Green chillies
vegetable2-3
Ginger
herb1-inch piece
Tamarind paste
other2 tablespoons
Pitted dates
fruit1/4 cup
Cumin seeds
spice1 teaspoon
Black salt
seasoning1 teaspoon
Roasted cumin powder
spice1 teaspoon
Chaat masala
seasoning1 teaspoon
Boiled potatoes (diced)
vegetable1 cup
Boiled chickpeas
protein1/2 cup
Onion, finely chopped
vegetable1/4 cup
Fresh coriander chutney
other1/4 cup
Sweet tamarind chutney
other1/4 cup
Roasted vermicelli (optional)
grain2 tablespoons
Method
Make the puri dough
PT25MIn 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.
Prepare the pani (spiced water)
PT10MIn 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.
Make the sweet tamarind chutney
PT20MSoak 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.
Prepare the filling
PT5MIn a bowl, mix diced boiled potatoes, boiled chickpeas, chopped onion (if using), and a pinch of chaat masala. Set aside.
Roll and fry the puris
PT30MDivide 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.
Assemble the pani puri
PT10MMake 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
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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Recipe by
Anaya Patel
Specialises in Indian cuisineAnaya makes a mean dal makhani and owns 14 types of lentils. She alphabetizes them.
Describe yourself in three words: Organized, nerdy, lentil lover.