Authentic Indian Bhelpuri: A Tangy Street Food Delight At Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of puffed rice (murmura)
  • 1 cup fine sev
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
  • 1/2 cup tamarind chutney
  • 1/4 cup green chutney
  • 1 teaspoon chaat masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 to 10 puris or papdi, crushed
  • Lemon juice to taste (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the puffed rice, sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled and mashed potatoes, and crushed puris or papdi.
  2. Add the tamarind chutney and green chutney to the mixture and mix well.
  3. Season with chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
  4. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice and give the mixture one final stir.
  5. Garnish with additional sev and chopped coriander leaves before serving.
  6. Enjoy your homemade bhelpuri while it's fresh and crispy.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Spatula - To mix and combine the ingredients effectively.
  • Knife - To chop the onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the quantities of ingredients.
  • Puris or Papdi - Crispy fried Indian bread used in the recipe. They can be store-bought or homemade.
  • Sev - Thin crispy noodles made from chickpea flour. They add a nice texture to the dish.
  • Tamarind Chutney - A tangy and sweet chutney made from tamarind pulp, jaggery, and spices.
  • Green Chutney - A flavorful chutney made from fresh coriander leaves, mint, green chilies, and spices.
  • Chaat Masala - A spice blend used to add a tangy and savory flavor to the dish.

Recipe variations

  • Add diced cucumber or grated carrot for extra crunch and freshness.
  • Include chopped raw mango or pomegranate seeds for a tangy twist.
  • Sprinkle some roasted peanuts or cashews for added texture.
  • Add finely chopped green chilies or a dash of spicy sauce for a spicier version.
  • Replace puffed rice with flattened rice (poha) for a different texture.
  • Experiment with different types of chutneys like mint chutney or garlic chutney.
  • For a healthier option, use air-popped popcorn instead of puffed rice.
  • Include cooked chickpeas or black gram (kala chana) for additional protein.
  • Try using different types of sev like spicy sev or masala sev.
  • Add a dash of black salt or amchur powder for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe overview

Bhelpuri is a beloved street food originally from the beaches of Mumbai, India. This savory snack is an explosion of flavors with each bite, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. Typically enjoyed as a light snack or appetizer, bhelpuri is made with puffed rice mixed with various fresh and tangy ingredients. This recipe is not only tasty but easy to make at home. Expect a crunchy, flavorful dish that you can customize to suit your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of Indian street food or trying it for the first time, this Bhelpuri recipe is bound to be a hit.

Common questions

  1. Can I make bhelpuri in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the individual components (chopped veggies, chutneys, etc.) in advance and assemble the bhelpuri just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
  2. How long can I store bhelpuri?
    Bhelpuri is best enjoyed immediately after preparation for optimal texture and taste. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that the puffed rice may lose its crispiness over time.
  3. Can I customize the ingredients in bhelpuri?
    Absolutely! Bhelpuri is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients according to your preference. You can add chopped cucumber, grated carrots, roasted peanuts, or any other toppings you like.
  4. Is bhelpuri spicy?
    Bhelpuri generally has a mild to medium level of spiciness. However, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili powder and green chutney according to your taste.
  5. Can I make bhelpuri without puffed rice?
    The puffed rice is a key ingredient that gives bhelpuri its unique texture. However, if you cannot find puffed rice, you can substitute it with nylon sev or plain boondi for a similar crunchy element.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Serving Plates - Plates to serve the bhelpuri.
  • Spoons - To mix the ingredients and serve the bhelpuri.
  • Knife - To chop onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the ingredients accurately.

Origin stories

Bhelpuri hails from the beaches of Mumbai, where it has long been a staple street food. Its popularity is such that it's virtually synonymous with Chowpatty Beach, where countless vendors, known as 'bhelwalas', serve up this delightful snack day in, day out, each with their own unique twist. It's a testament to the city's love for food and obsession with flavor. The dish embodies the spirit of Mumbai - a mishmash of textures and tastes, much like the city itself, a melting pot of cultures, people, and experiences. As vibrant and varied as the city's streets, each mouthful of bhelpuri is a surprise, a moment of joy, a piece of Mumbai. Just like the city, bhelpuri is fast, it's instant, and it's thoroughly satisfying. It is the living, breathing, and edible soul of Mumbai.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.