The Best Bhelpuri Recipe: A Crunchy, Tangy Mumbai Street Food Classic
One of Mumbai’s most recognizable street delicacies is bhelpuri. It has the ideal balance of flavors, textures, and scents. Indian foodies have a particular place in their hearts for this crunchy and spicy delicacy. Bhelpuri is adaptable and simple to prepare at home, and it can be eaten as a light dinner or as a quick snack. Here’s the best bhelpuri recipe to make the street food magic in your own kitchen if you’re craving this delectable delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the base:
2 cups puffed rice (murmura)
1/4 cup sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
1/4 cup thin poha (optional, for extra crunch)
For the chutneys:
Tamarind chutney (imli chutney): 3 tbsp (or to taste)
Green chutney: 2 tbsp (made with fresh coriander, mint, green chili, and lemon juice)
Sweet chutney: 2 tbsp (sugar syrup or jaggery syrup)
For the salad mix:
1 medium-sized potato, boiled and cubed
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 tomato, finely chopped
1/4 cucumber, finely chopped
2 tbsp boiled corn
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, depending on spice preference)
For the garnish:
A handful of crispy sev
A pinch of chaat masala
A sprinkle of black salt
Lemon wedges
Method to Make the Perfect Bhelpuri:
1. Prepare the Base
Start by preparing your base ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of puffed rice (murmura). Make sure the puffed rice is fresh and crunchy. If it’s too soft or stale, lightly roast it on a pan for a minute or two to crisp it up.
2. Add the Roasted Peanuts and Sev
Add roasted peanuts and sev to the puffed rice. The peanuts add a delightful crunch and flavor, while the sev brings in that signature crispiness that makes bhelpuri so irresistible. If you like extra crunch, you can also add thin poha.
3. Prepare the Chutneys
The chutneys are what really give bhelpuri its flavor punch. The tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and sweet chutney should all be ready in advance. To make tamarind chutney, boil tamarind with jaggery or sugar, cook until it thickens, and strain the pulp. For the green chutney, blend fresh mint, coriander, green chilies, and lemon juice into a smooth paste.
4. Add the Veggies
Next, add in the boiled and cubed potatoes, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and corn (if using). The vegetables add freshness and balance the heat from the chutneys. Make sure all the veggies are well-mixed so every bite is bursting with flavor.
5. Mixing Everything Together
Pour the tamarind chutney, green chutney, and sweet chutney over the puffed rice and vegetable mixture. Add a pinch of salt, black salt, and chaat masala to season the bhelpuri. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—this will ensure the chutneys coat the puffed rice and veggies evenly, creating that perfect flavor combination.
6. Serve Immediately
Once everything is mixed, garnish the bhelpuri with more crispy sev, a dash of chaat masala, and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Squeeze a lemon wedge over the bhelpuri for a tangy finish.
Serve the bhelpuri immediately to enjoy its crunch and freshness. If left sitting too long, the puffed rice will lose its crispiness, so it’s best enjoyed right after mixing.
Tips for the Best Bhelpuri:
Fresh Puffed Rice: Ensure your puffed rice is fresh and crunchy. Stale puffed rice can make the bhelpuri soggy.
Chutney Variations: Experiment with different chutneys like garlic chutney or yogurt for extra richness and flavor.
Customize the Spice: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer green chilies, depending on your taste.
