Bhel Puri Recipe: A Crunchy Delight You Can Make Today

Bhel Puri is a tangy and spicy Indian snack made from puffed rice, sev, and fresh vegetables. Tamarind and green chutneys give it a sweet and spicy flavor, with chaat masala adding an extra kick. Papdi and sev give it a signature crunch. Garnished with fresh coriander and lemon juice, it’s quick to make and best served immediately. The dish is easily customizable with ingredients like peanuts or extra spices.

Bhel Puri is a popular Indian street food made from puffed rice, sev, and vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. It’s flavored with tamarind chutney, green chutney, and a blend of spices such as chaat masala and red chili powder. The dish is known for its crunchy texture, provided by crispy papdi and sev. Fresh coriander and lemon juice enhance the taste, making it tangy, spicy, and refreshing. The dish is easy to customize based on personal taste preferences. Bhel Puri should be served immediately to maintain its crunchiness.

Ingredients:

2 cups puffed rice (murmura)
1/4 cup sev (crispy chickpea noodles)
1/4 cup papdi (crushed)
1 medium-sized potato (boiled and chopped)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 small tomato (finely chopped)
1/4 cup cucumber (chopped)
1/4 cup raw mango (chopped, optional for a tangy flavor)
2 green chilies (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh coriander (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
2 tablespoons tamarind chutney (imli chutney)
2 tablespoons green chutney (coriander-mint chutney)
Lemon juice (to taste)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by taking 2 cups of puffed rice (murmura) in a large mixing bowl. The puffed rice forms the base of the Bhel Puri and should be crispy. If the puffed rice is soft, lightly roast it in a pan for 1-2 minutes to make it crunchy again. Let it cool before using.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

To the bowl of puffed rice, add the finely chopped vegetables. Start with the boiled and chopped potato, followed by the finely chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, and raw mango (if using). These vegetables add freshness, texture, and flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Mix in the Chutneys

Now, add 2 tablespoons of tamarind chutney (imli chutney) for sweetness and tang, and 2 tablespoons of green chutney (coriander-mint chutney) for spice and freshness. You can adjust the quantity of chutneys based on your taste preference.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, and a pinch of salt. You can also squeeze in some lemon juice to enhance the tangy flavor. Mix everything thoroughly so that the puffed rice and vegetables are coated evenly with the chutneys and spices.

Step 5: Add Crispy Elements

Now, add the crispy elements: crushed papdi and sev. The papdi gives the Bhel Puri its signature crunch, while sev adds a light, crispy texture. Make sure you add these just before serving so that they stay crispy and don’t become soggy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish your Bhel Puri with freshly chopped coriander leaves and additional sev. If you like, you can add some more green chilies for extra spice. Serve immediately as Bhel Puri is best enjoyed when fresh and crunchy.

Optional Variations:

Spicy Bhel: Add more green chutney and chopped green chilies for a spicier version.
Sweet Bhel: Increase the amount of tamarind chutney and add some jaggery (gur) for a sweeter taste.
Peanut Bhel: Add roasted peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bhel Puri:

Always add the chutneys and crispy elements just before serving to keep the puffed rice and sev from getting soggy.
Adjust the chutneys and seasoning to your taste. Some prefer it spicier, while others may want it sweeter.
Serve immediately after mixing to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Bhel Puri is a quick, flavorful snack that you can easily prepare at home in under 15 minutes. Enjoy this delicious Indian street food favorite anytime as a light snack or appetizer.