Indulge in the Delightful World of Gol Gappa: A Homestyle Guide to Making Pani Puri at Home!

In a delightful tribute to one of India’s most beloved street foods, Google dedicated its doodle today to celebrate everyone’s favorite snack, Pani Puri, also known as Gol Gappa or Puchka. Pani Puri is a flavorful, tangy, and refreshing dish that consists of crispy hollow puris filled with a combination of spicy mashed potatoes, tangy tamarind chutney, and a zesty mint-coriander water. If you’re craving this mouthwatering treat, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Gol Gappa at home.

Ingredients: To make the puris:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Water (as needed)

For the stuffing:

• 2 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste

For the mint-coriander water:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
• 1 green chili (optional)
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 1 teaspoon black salt
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)

For the tamarind chutney:

• 1/2 cup tamarind pulp
• 1/2 cup jaggery or sugar
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Making the puris:

• In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, all-purpose flour, and salt.
• Gradually add water and knead the dough until it becomes firm and smooth.
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin disc (around 2 inches in diameter).
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the puris until they turn crispy and golden brown.
• Drain the puris on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

2. Preparing the stuffing:

• In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and salt.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
• Set the stuffing aside for later use.

3. Making the mint-coriander water:

• In a blender, combine mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chili, ginger, tamarind paste, black salt, roasted cumin powder, salt, and a little water.
• Blend the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
• Add more water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solid particles.
• Refrigerate the mint-coriander water until ready to use.

4. Preparing the tamarind chutney:

• In a saucepan, combine tamarind pulp, jaggery or sugar, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and water.
• Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring continuously until the jaggery or sugar dissolves and the chutney thickens.
• Remove from heat and let it cool before transferring it to a serving container.

5. Assembling the Gol Gappas:

• Take a puri and gently crack it open from the top to create a small hole.
• Fill the puri with a small spoonful of the potato stuffing.
• Dip the stuffed puri into the mint-coriander water and pop it into your mouth in one go.
• You can also add a little tamarind chutney or extra spices according to your taste.

Conclusion: Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors and the crisp texture of Gol Gappas with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re reminiscing about your street food adventures or introducing this delicious snack to your friends and family, making Pani Puri at home is a fantastic way to celebrate its recognition by Google. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embark on a journey to create these irresistible treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. Bon appétit!

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright