Tasty and Tangy: Learn How to Prepare Delicious Panipuri/Golgappa/Puchka at Home!

Panipuri, also known as golgappa or puchka, is a popular street food in India. It consists of crispy hollow puris filled with a mixture of flavoured water, tamarind chutney, and various fillings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare panipuri:

Ingredients: For the Puris:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• A pinch of salt
• Water (as needed)
• Oil (for deep frying)

For the Filling:

• Boiled and mashed potatoes
• Chickpeas (optional)
• Finely chopped onions
• Finely chopped coriander leaves

For the Flavoured Water:

• Tamarind chutney (store-bought or homemade)
• Mint-coriander chutney (store-bought or homemade)
• Chaat masala
• Black salt
• Cumin powder
• Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Puris:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
   • Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a stiff dough.
   • Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
   • Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin discs.
   • Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai and fry the puris until they turn crispy and golden brown.
   • Remove the puris from the oil and let them cool.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Mix the boiled and mashed potatoes with salt, chaat masala, and any other desired spices.
   • Add the chickpeas (if using), finely chopped onions, and coriander leaves to the potato mixture.
   • Mix everything well to create a flavourful filling.
3. Prepare the Flavoured Water:
   • In a large bowl, mix tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, chaat masala, black salt, and cumin powder.
   • Add water gradually and mix well to create a tangy and flavourful water. Adjust the flavours according to your taste.
4. Assemble the Panipuri:
   • Take a puri and gently crack it open on top to create a small hole.
   • Fill the puri with a spoonful of the prepared filling.
   • Dip the filled puri into the flavoured water, allowing it to soak for a few seconds.
   • Lift the puri, place it in your mouth, and enjoy the burst of flavours.

Note: You can adjust the flavours of the flavoured water and filling according to your preference. Some variations include adding boondi or sprouts to the filling and adjusting the spice levels of the chutneys.

Panipuri is best enjoyed immediately after assembling to maintain the crispiness of the puris. Prepare the puris, filling, and flavoured water in advance, and assemble the panipuri just before serving for a delightful culinary experience.