Bhel puri (Serves 8)

Known as Churu muri in Bangalore or Jhaal muri in Kolkata, bhel puri is a puffed rice dish with potatoes, and a tangy tamarind sauce. It is said that there is much disagreement on what goes into the (original) bhel puri, even among chaat experts. Thanks to this disagreement, here is our humble variation of the same..

Making poha chivda

Thin white poha (Aval) 1 cup
Peanuts 3 TBSP
Chana dal 3 TBSP
Green chilly 1 no, finely chopped
Turmeric powder ½ tsp
Salt as needed
Oil 1 tsp

Preparation

Heat (low) oil in a pan. When hot enough add the peanuts and roast for 2 minutes. Next add chana dal followed by green chilly. Fry for 1 more minute and add the turmeric powder and salt. Mix well to combine and add the poha. Keep mixing at a low flame until crisp. Immediately transfer to another bowl and allow to cool. Keep aside

For making the Bhel puri

Puffed rice (pori) 3 cups
Red onions 1 medium, copped
Tomato 1 big, chopped
Cucumber 1 no, chopped
Boiled potato 1 big, cut to small cubes
Sev 1 cup
Bombay Bhel puri chutney 3 tsp or as much as you want
Coriander leaves to garnish, chopped
Salt as needed
Chivda 1 cup, prepared earlier

Preparation

In a bowl, mix together poha chivda, puffed rice, red onions, tomatoes, cucumber, boiled cubed potatoes and sev. Mix well to combine and adjust salt. Add the chutney and coriander leaves and mix well. Enjoy this chaat right away with your family or friends….

Tips

You can buy Bhelpuri chutney and sev in any Indian grocery store
Make bhel puri just before you plan to serve it, otherwise puffed rice gets soggy