Bhel Puri Chaat is a very popular street food from Mumbai in India. The mixture of spicy, tangy and sweet flavours makes this a delicious snack that can be prepared in minutes with all the right ingredients at hand.
Whenever I have been to India or I have visit Indian snack bars here in London, the first snack I order is bhel puri. It is healthy, filling and satisfying. The combination of puffed rice, potatoes, chana, onions, tomatoes and chutneys not only makes this snack healthy but also gives it a very unique taste.
When I make my bhel puri at home its always a hit with everyone and I use a variety of different ingredients sometimes with or without chutneys. One ingredient I usually don’t add add to my own plate is raw onions as I’m not so keen on them but I do add the chilli garlic chutney and the taste is wonderful.
Bhel puri is historically a Gujarati fast food but as people from Gujarat began to travel to different parts of India, it became a a very popular Indian street food particularly in Mumbai. As I mentioned, Bhel puri is a healthy snack with fresh ingredients like chana. potatoes, onions and tomatoes and is best consumed as soon as it is made. If left for a while, the juices from the tomatoes, chutneys, etc. can make the puffed rice and sev to become soggy. The crunchiness of the Bhel Puri is what makes it fun to eat.
Bhel Puri chaat is a great starter to any meal and is a hit at parties and with children. The potatoes and chana for the Bhel Puri chaat can be mixed and sorted together in a air tight container.
Before I make Bhel Puri I always have certain ingredients prepared as it makes it easier and quicker to put together the snack. Before you start assembling bhel puri, ensure the following ingredients are ready:
boiled potatoes – ensure they are cooled and cubed
Mint coiander chutney – cooled
Tamarind dates chutney – cooled
Chilli garlic chutney – cooled
The recipe I have presented below is base on one portion of bhel puri on a medium sized plate. Half the ingredients to have a smaller portion and double the portion for larger portion.
Bhel Puri Chaat
Ingredients
1 large boiled potato
1 cup kala chana
1 cup puffed rice
½ cup nylon sev
1 medium tomato
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
2 tablespoona roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon pomegranate
1 tsp chaat masala
½ tsp red chili powder
½ cup chopped coriander leaves
2-3 papdis, broken into pieces
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tablespoon dessicated coconut
Chutneys
2 tablespoons mint coriander chutney
2 tablespoons tamarind dates chutney
1 teaspoon red chilli garlic chutney (optional)
Method
- In a large bowl, add cubed potatoes and chana. Combine well ensuring the potato don’t break.
- Add lemon juice
- Spoon the mixture into a smaller bowl or plate
- Sprinkle on puffed rice with chaat masala, roasted peanuts, papdis and nylon sev.
- Now sprinkle on finely chopped onions, tomatoes and pomegranate seeds.
- Next add chilli powder and chutney of your choice.
- Lastly generously sprinkle on coriander leaves and top with dessicated coconut. Serve immediately.
Best Wishes,
Krishna
Cooking With Krish 