If you’re craving the vibrant flavors and bold spices of Indian street food, look no further. In this article, we’ll explore some quick and easy recipes that will transport you to the bustling streets of India, where the aroma of spices fills the air and mouthwatering snacks tempt passersby. From crispy pakoras to tangy chutneys, get ready to take your taste buds on a delicious journey with these simple yet irresistible Indian street food recipes.
Pani Puri
Ingredients
To make Pani Puri, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of semolina (sooji)
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- Water, as required
- Oil, for frying
- 1 cup of boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup of boiled chickpeas
- Tamarind chutney, as required
- Green chutney, as required
- Sev, for garnishing
- Chopped coriander leaves, for garnishing
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the semolina, baking soda, and water to make a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small puris.
- Fry the puris in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, remove the puris from the oil and let them cool.
- Make a small hole in each puri and fill it with mashed potatoes and boiled chickpeas.
- Top it off with tamarind chutney and green chutney according to your taste.
- Garnish with sev and chopped coriander leaves.
Garnish Options
You can get creative with your garnishes for Pani Puri. Some popular options include:
- Sprinkle some chaat masala for extra flavor.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Top it off with finely chopped onions and tomatoes for added freshness.
- Crush some papdi and sprinkle it on top for added crunchiness.
Samosa
Ingredients
To make Samosa, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of melted ghee (clarified butter)
- Water, as required
- 2 medium-sized boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup of boiled green peas
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, melted ghee, and water to make a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- In a separate pan, heat some oil and add cumin seeds and grated ginger.
- Add boiled and mashed potatoes, boiled green peas, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan.
- Mix everything well and cook for a few minutes.
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small circles.
- Cut each circle in half to make a semi-circle shape.
- Take one semi-circle and fold it into a cone shape, sealing the edges with water.
- Fill the cone with the potato and peas mixture and seal the top.
- Repeat the process for all the samosas.
- Fry the samosas in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Chutney Options
Samosas pair perfectly with various chutney options. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mint chutney: Blend fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to make a spicy and refreshing chutney.
- Tamarind chutney: Soak tamarind pulp in warm water and strain the liquid. Add jaggery, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, and salt to the tamarind water and cook it until it thickens. Let it cool before serving.
- Tomato ketchup: If you prefer a tangy and sweet flavor, you can serve samosas with tomato ketchup as well.
Aloo Tikki
Ingredients
To make Aloo Tikki, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the boiled and mashed potatoes, finely chopped onions, green chilies, grated ginger, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round tikkis.
- Heat oil in a pan for frying.
- Place the tikkis in the pan and fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Once fried, remove the tikkis from the pan and let them drain on a paper towel.
Serving Suggestions
Aloo Tikki can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve the tikkis with mint chutney and tamarind chutney. Drizzle some yogurt on top for a creamy and tangy flavor.
- Make a delicious Aloo Tikki burger by placing the tikki between two burger buns. Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your favorite sauces for a flavorful street food experience.
- Crumble the aloo tikki and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a spread of mint chutney for an easy and tasty meal.
Bhel Puri
Ingredients
To make Bhel Puri, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of puffed rice (murmura)
- 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup of sev
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped cucumber
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped coriander leaves
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind chutney
- 1 tablespoon of green chutney
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the puffed rice, roasted peanuts, sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, coriander leaves, and green chili.
- Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Add tamarind chutney, green chutney, lemon juice, and salt.
- Toss the mixture gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated with the chutneys and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Garnish Options
Bhel Puri can be garnished in different ways to enhance its appearance and taste. Here are some popular options:
- Sprinkle some nylon sev on top to add a crunchy texture.
- Garnish with a few drops of tamarind chutney for an extra burst of tanginess.
- Decorate with freshly grated coconut for a hint of sweetness.
- Top it off with a sprinkle of chaat masala and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty flavor.
Vada Pav
Ingredients
To make Vada Pav, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- Curry leaves, a few
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 4 pav buns
- 4 tablespoons of tamarind chutney
- 4 tablespoons of green chutney
- Butter, for toasting
Instructions
- In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
- Once the seeds start crackling, add asafoetida, green chilies, grated ginger, and curry leaves.
- Saute for a minute and then add the boiled and mashed potatoes.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well and cook for a few minutes.
- Once the potato mixture is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into round vadas.
- Heat oil in a pan for frying and deep fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Slice the pav buns horizontally, without cutting them into two separate pieces.
- Apply tamarind chutney on one side of the pav bun and green chutney on the other side.
- Place a vada in between the pav bun and press gently to close it.
- Heat a flat pan and toast the vada pav with a little butter until it becomes slightly crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Vada Pav is typically served with a side of chutney and fried green chili for a complete flavor experience. Here are some additional serving suggestions:
- Serve the vada pav with a sprinkle of red chili powder and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra kick.
- Add some sliced onions and tomatoes for a refreshing crunch.
- Pair it with a hot cup of masala chai for a perfect combination of flavors.
Dahi Vada
Ingredients
To make Dahi Vada, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of urad dal (split black lentils)
- 1/4 cup of moong dal (split green gram)
- 1/4 cup of yogurt
- 2 cups of water, for soaking
- Oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Soak urad dal and moong dal in water for at least 3 hours.
- Drain the water and grind the soaked dal into a smooth batter.
- Add salt to the batter and mix it well.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Take small portions of the batter and drop them into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, remove the vadas from the oil and let them cool.
- Soak the vadas in water for about 15 minutes.
- Squeeze out the excess water from the vadas and arrange them on a serving plate.
- Pour yogurt over the vadas, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle some salt and red chili powder on top for added flavor.
Topping Options
Dahi Vada can be topped with various ingredients to enhance its taste and texture. Here are a few topping options:
- Sprinkle some roasted cumin powder for a warm and earthy flavor.
- Add a drizzle of tamarind chutney and green chutney for a tangy twist.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut for added freshness.
- Crush some papdi and sprinkle it on top for a crunchy texture.
Kathi Roll
Ingredients
To make Kathi Roll, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large whole wheat rotis or parathas
- 1 cup of boneless chicken, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup of sliced onions
- 1/4 cup of sliced capsicum
- 1/4 cup of sliced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of sliced cucumber
- 2 tablespoons of mint chutney
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add ginger-garlic paste. Saute for a minute.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook until it turns brown.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything well and cook for a few more minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- Heat the rotis or parathas on a flat pan until they become slightly crispy.
- Arrange the sliced onions, capsicum, tomatoes, and cucumber on the center of the rotis or parathas.
- Spread mint chutney and mayonnaise on top of the vegetables.
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the chutney and mayonnaise.
- Roll everything tightly and secure it with a toothpick.
Variations
Kathi Rolls can be customized according to your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
- Paneer Kathi Roll: Replace chicken with paneer (cottage cheese) for a vegetarian option. Marinate the paneer with spices and saute until brown before assembling the roll.
- Egg Kathi Roll: Beat eggs and cook them like a thin omelette. Use the omelette as the base instead of rotis or parathas. Fill it with cooked chicken, vegetables, and sauces before rolling it up.
- Veggie Kathi Roll: Skip the meat and fill the roll with a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and corn. Pan-fry the vegetables with spices for added flavor.
Mumbai Sandwich
Ingredients
To make Mumbai Sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 bread slices
- 2 medium-sized boiled and sliced potatoes
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped capsicum
- 2 tablespoons of mint chutney
- 2 tablespoons of tamarind chutney
- Butter, for toasting
Instructions
- Apply butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Spread mint chutney on four bread slices and tamarind chutney on the remaining four slices.
- Place the sliced potatoes on top of the mint chutney slices.
- Layer the finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and capsicum on top of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle some salt and black pepper for seasoning.
- Cover the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, with the buttered side facing up.
- Heat a flat pan or griddle and place the sandwiches on it.
- Toast the sandwiches until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Cut the sandwiches into triangles or rectangles and serve.
Toast Options
Mumbai Sandwich can be toasted in different ways to suit your taste. Here are some options:
- Grill the sandwiches in a sandwich maker for a perfectly toasted and crunchy texture.
- Toast the sandwiches on a tawa (flat pan) with a little extra butter for added richness.
- Place the sandwiches in a preheated oven and bake until they become crispy and golden.
Pav Bhaji
Ingredients
To make Pav Bhaji, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup of boiled green peas
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped capsicum
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 2 teaspoons of pav bhaji masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pav buns, for serving
- Butter, for toasting
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a pan.
- Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped onions. Saute until the onions turn translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Add finely chopped capsicum and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add boiled and mashed potatoes, boiled green peas, pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Mix everything well and cook for about 10 minutes, mashing the ingredients together.
- Once the bhaji thickens, remove it from the heat.
Garnish Options
Pav Bhaji can be garnished with various ingredients to enhance its taste and appearance. Here are some popular options:
- Garnish with a dollop of butter for extra richness.
- Sprinkle some chopped coriander leaves for added freshness.
- Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice on top for a tangy twist.
- Serve with finely chopped onions and a side of lemon wedges for a burst of flavors.
Chole Bhature
Ingredients
To make Chole Bhature, you will need the following ingredients:
- For Chole (Chickpea Curry):
- 2 cups of boiled chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1 cup of finely chopped onions
- 1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of chole masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as required
- For Bhature (Fried Bread):
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of semolina
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 cup of yogurt
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as required
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- For Chole (Chickpea Curry):
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Once the seeds start crackling, add grated ginger and minced garlic. Saute for a minute.
- Add finely chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Add chole masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
- Add boiled chickpeas and water. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- For Bhature (Fried Bread):
- In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, semolina, baking powder, yogurt, and salt.
- Add water gradually and knead the dough until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into round bhature shapes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Fry the bhature in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown on both sides.
- Once fried, remove the bhature from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel.
Accompaniment Options
Chole Bhature can be served with various accompaniments to enhance the flavor profile. Here are a few options:
- Serve with a side of sliced onions, green chilies, and lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy taste.
- Pair it with pickles like mango pickle or mixed vegetable pickle for a punch of flavors.
- Enjoy the Chole Bhature with a side of yogurt to balance out the spices and add a creamy element to the meal.
- Serve with a fresh salad of shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and tomatoes for a crunchy and nutritious side dish.
With these quick and easy recipes, you can bring the vibrant flavors of Indian street food right to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving the tanginess of Pani Puri or the comforting warmth of Pav Bhaji, these dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and impress your friends and family with these delicious and authentic Indian street food recipes. Happy cooking!