Pani Puri

Pani Puri Recipe - A Spicy Delight with an Indian Touch

Welcome to the world of exotic flavors! Today, I invite you to discover together how to prepare a delicious and spicy Indian recipe known as Pani Puri. These small, filled pastries with a savory mix of vegetables served with a spicy sauce are perfect for delighting the taste buds of any food lover. Ready to begin our culinary adventure?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 cup semolina
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 135 g cauliflower
- 100 g peas
- 2 limes
- 2 potatoes
- 2 teaspoons ginger powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Water (as needed)
- Oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

We start by preparing the dough for the pastries. In a large bowl, combine the semolina and all-purpose flour. Mix these dry ingredients well, then gradually add water, stirring until you achieve a smooth dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to develop, giving the pastries a light and fluffy texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Do the same with the cauliflower and add the peas. Boil all these vegetables in a pot of salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain them well and mash them in a bowl. This will be our delicious puree for filling the pastries.

Step 3: Creating the Spiced Paste

In a small bowl, squeeze the juice from the two limes. Add all the spices: ginger powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, sugar, coriander, chili, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. Then, place the paste in a strainer over another bowl and pour water over it, pressing with a spoon. This process will extract the intense flavors, leaving a spiced and delicious juice at the bottom. Discard the remaining paste from the strainer.

Step 4: Forming the Pastries

After 10 minutes, take the dough and divide it into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin disc, but not too thin to avoid breaking during frying. Make sure they are round and even.

Step 5: Frying the Pastries

In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add 2-3 pastries, depending on the size of the pan. Use a slotted spoon to gently press them under the oil so they puff up nicely. Turn them on all sides, frying until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 6: Filling the Pastries

Make a small hole at the top of each pastry and fill them with the prepared vegetable puree. This step can be a bit challenging, but don’t worry! If needed, use a teaspoon or a filling device to make the process easier.

Serving

Pani Puri is served hot, alongside the spiced juice you obtained in Step 3. It is a perfect snack for parties or to impress guests. You can enjoy them plain or challenge your friends to a Pani Puri eating contest!

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the filling, as they will influence the final taste of the dish.
- The right oil: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the pastries. If the oil is not hot enough, the pastries will become soggy instead of crispy.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as avocado or yogurt, for a creamier version. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
- Delicious combinations: Pani Puri can be served with a mint chutney or tamarind sauce for a perfect contrast between sweet and spicy.

Nutritional Benefits

Pani Puri is not only a delicious snack but also a source of nutrients. Peas and cauliflower are rich in vitamins and minerals, while potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates. This recipe can be a healthy option when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables for the filling?
Yes! You can experiment with seasonal vegetables or your favorites. Zucchini or grated carrots can be an excellent choice.

2. How can I make Pani Puri less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili in the recipe and add more yogurt or sour cream for a milder taste.

3. Can the pastries be made a day in advance?
It is recommended to prepare them fresh, but you can make the dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Fry them before serving for the best texture.

4. What is the difference between Pani Puri and other Indian snacks?
Pani Puri is special due to the combination of textures – the crispy pastries, soft filling, and spiced juice. This variety of sensations makes it unique.

I hope you enjoyed this Pani Puri recipe! It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of Indian magic into your kitchen. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy every bite! Bon Appétit!