Craving the mouthwatering flavors of Indian street food but don’t want the hassle of going out? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beloved Indian street food snacks that are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make in the comfort of your own kitchen. From crispy samosas to tantalizing golgappas, get ready to impress your taste buds with these easy homemade treats that capture the essence of Indian cuisine. So, grab your apron and let’s embark on a culinary journey that will transport you right to the bustling streets of India!
Pani Puri
Description
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a popular street food snack in India. It consists of small, crispy hollow puris filled with a mixture of spicy, tangy water (pani) and mashed potatoes, chickpeas, or sprouts (filling). The combination of crispy puris, flavorful filling, and refreshing pani makes it a delightful and irresistible snack.
Ingredients
To make Pani Puri, you will need the following ingredients:
- Puri (hollow crispy shells)
- Boiled and mashed potatoes
- Boiled chickpeas or sprouts
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney
- Chaat masala
- Roasted cumin powder
- Black salt
- Mint leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Sev (fried gram flour vermicelli)
- Chilled water
Instructions
To prepare Pani Puri at home, follow these steps:
- Prepare the fillings by boiling and mashing the potatoes, and boiling the chickpeas or sprouts.
- Make the green chutney by blending mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chili, ginger, and lemon juice to a smooth consistency.
- Prepare the tangy tamarind chutney by cooking tamarind pulp with jaggery, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt until it thickens.
- To make the pani, mix mint water, tamarind chutney, cumin powder, black salt, chaat masala, and chilled water in a bowl. Adjust the spices according to your taste.
- Fill each puri with a spoonful of mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas or sprouts, and a drizzle of both tamarind and green chutneys.
- Dip the filled puri into the prepared pani and enjoy the burst of flavors in your mouth.
- Repeat the process for the remaining puris and serve them on a plate or a traditional Pani Puri serving platter.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, sev, mint leaves, and coriander leaves for an extra flavor boost.
Tips
- Make sure the puris are crispy and fresh to enhance the overall experience of eating Pani Puri.
- Adjust the spiciness and tanginess of the pani according to your preference by adding more or less mint water, tamarind chutney, or spices.
- You can customize the filling by adding other ingredients like boondi (fried gram flour pearls) or onions for added texture and taste.
- Serve Pani Puri immediately after assembling to prevent the puris from becoming soggy.
- Have tissues or napkins ready, as Pani Puri can get a little messy but the mess is part of the fun!
Bhel Puri
Description
Bhel Puri is a delightful Indian street food snack that originated in Mumbai. It is a savory mixture of puffed rice, chopped vegetables, chutneys, and spices, making it a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and colors.
Ingredients
To make Bhel Puri, gather the following ingredients:
- Puffed rice (murmura)
- Finely chopped onions
- Finely chopped tomatoes
- Finely chopped cucumber
- Sev (fried gram flour vermicelli)
- Roasted peanuts
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Green chutney
- Tamarind chutney
- Chaat masala
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
To prepare Bhel Puri at home, follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Add the roasted peanuts and sev for an extra crunch.
- Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mixture to give it a tangy flavor.
- Add green chutney, tamarind chutney, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder. Mix well to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Give it a gentle toss, ensuring that all the flavors are well incorporated.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately in bowls or paper cones.
- Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures as you indulge in this mouthwatering snack!
Tips
- Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences by adding more or less chili powder or green chutney.
- Feel free to add other chopped vegetables like bell peppers or boiled potatoes to enhance the nutritional value and crunchiness of the Bhel Puri.
- You can customize the level of crunchiness by adding more or fewer puffed rice or sev.
- Serve Bhel Puri immediately after preparing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- For an added twist, you can experiment with different varieties of chutneys or add a dash of chaat masala.
Samosa
Description
The Samosa is one of the most beloved and popular snacks in India. It is a deep-fried pastry filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Its crispy exterior and flavorful filling make it an all-time favorite among people of all ages.
Ingredients
To make Samosas at home, gather the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Oil
- Water
- For the filling:
- Potatoes
- Green peas
- Onion
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Green chili
- Cumin seeds
- Turmeric powder
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala
- Amchur (dried mango powder)
- Salt
- Oil
Instructions
To prepare Samosas at home, follow these steps:
- Start by preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and oil. Mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add water to the mixture and knead to form a smooth and pliable dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the filling. Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onion, ginger, garlic, and green chili. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Add green peas and a splash of water. Cover and cook until the peas are tender.
- Add mashed potatoes and amchur (dried mango powder). Mix everything thoroughly and let the mixture cool.
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small circles.
- Cut each circle into two halves and form a cone by overlapping the straight edges of the semicircle, sealing it with water.
- Fill each cone with a spoonful of the prepared filling and pinch the open end to seal the Samosa.
- Repeat the process for the remaining dough and filling.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or Kadai for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in the Samosas and fry them on medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the Samosas from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot with mint chutney and tamarind chutney, or enjoy them with a cup of hot tea.
Tips
- Ensure that the Samosa dough is neither too soft nor too hard. A pliable dough will yield crispy and flaky Samosas.
- Do not overstuff the Samosa cones with filling as it may lead to the filling spilling out during frying.
- To prevent the Samosas from becoming too oily, fry them on medium heat. This allows the Samosas to cook evenly and retain their crispiness.
- You can add other ingredients like green bell peppers or boiled eggs to the filling for a variation in taste.
- Serve the Samosas immediately after frying to enjoy them at their best.
Aloo Tikki
Description
Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian snack that consists of mashed potatoes mixed with various spices, shaped into patties, and shallow-fried until crispy and golden brown. It is often served with chutneys, yogurt, and a medley of flavorful toppings, making it a delicious and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
To make Aloo Tikki at home, gather the following ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Green peas
- Bread crumbs
- Finely chopped onion
- Finely chopped coriander leaves
- Ginger
- Green chili
- Chaat masala
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Garam masala
- Salt
- Oil for shallow frying
Instructions
To prepare Aloo Tikki at home, follow these steps:
- Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté green peas until they are cooked. Mash them coarsely.
- Add mashed green peas to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
- Add bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, coriander leaves, grated ginger, finely chopped green chili, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into flat patties. You can either make them round or square, depending on your preference.
- Heat oil in a shallow pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the Aloo Tikkis in the pan.
- Cook them until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, flipping them gently.
- Once cooked, remove the Aloo Tikkis from the pan and drain them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt. You can also garnish them with finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, and sev for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- To ensure perfect texture, use boiled and cooled potatoes for mashing.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or beetroot to the mixture for additional nutritional value and taste.
- For extra crispiness, you can coat the shaped Aloo Tikkis in bread crumbs before frying them.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the Aloo Tikkis in the oven instead of shallow-frying them.
- Be gentle while flipping the Aloo Tikkis to avoid them breaking apart during the cooking process.
Dahi Vada
Description
Dahi Vada, also known as Dahi Bhalla, is a popular Indian street food snack made with deep-fried lentil dumplings soaked in seasoned yogurt and topped with various chutneys and spices. It is a creamy and tangy delight that provides a wonderful medley of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
To make Dahi Vada at home, gather the following ingredients:
- Urad dal (skinned black gram)
- Moong dal (yellow split gram)
- Ginger
- Green chili
- Asafoetida
- Salt
- Yogurt
- Sugar
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Chaat masala
- Sev (fried gram flour vermicelli)
- Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
To prepare Dahi Vada at home, follow these steps:
- Wash and soak urad dal and moong dal separately for a few hours.
- Drain the water from the dals and grind them to a smooth batter consistency, adding ginger, green chili, asafoetida, and salt while grinding.
- Heat oil in a pan for deep frying. Take small portions of the batter and drop them into the hot oil, shaping them into small round dumplings.
- Fry the dumplings until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Remove them from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Soak the fried dumplings in warm water for around 15-20 minutes until they become soft and absorb water.
- In the meantime, whisk the yogurt with sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness and thickness of the yogurt according to your preference.
- Squeeze out the excess water from the soaked dumplings and place them in a serving dish.
- Pour the whisked yogurt over the dumplings, ensuring they are fully coated. Garnish with tamarind chutney, green chutney, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, chaat masala, sev, and fresh coriander leaves.
- Chill the Dahi Vada in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the cool and tangy goodness of this delightful snack.
Tips
- Soaking the fried dumplings in warm water helps to make them soft and allows them to absorb the flavors of the yogurt and chutneys.
- Adjust the sweetness and thickness of the yogurt according to your taste by adding more or less sugar and adjusting the amount of water accordingly.
- You can add an extra layer of flavor by adding a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida to the yogurt before pouring it over the dumplings.
- Garnish the Dahi Vada with a sprinkle of freshly roasted and ground cumin seeds for an enhanced aroma and taste.
- For added crunch, you can top the Dahi Vada with chopped cashews or pomegranate seeds.
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Vada Pav
Description
Vada Pav, often referred to as the “Indian burger,” is a popular street food snack in Maharashtra, India. It consists of a deep-fried potato fritter (vada) encased in a soft bun (pav), accompanied by an assortment of chutneys and spices. This humble yet flavorful combination makes it a go-to snack for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To make Vada Pav at home, gather the following ingredients:
- For the vada:
- Potatoes
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Green chili
- Curry leaves
- Mustard seeds
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Besan (gram flour)
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Oil for deep frying
- For the pav:
- Pav buns
- Butter
- For the chutneys:
- Green chutney
- Tamarind chutney
- For the garnish:
- Garlic chutney (optional)
- Dry garlic chutney (optional)
- Fried green chili (optional)
Instructions
To prepare Vada Pav at home, follow these steps:
- Start by preparing the vada. Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat oil and splutter mustard seeds. Add ginger-garlic paste, finely chopped green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
- Once the mixture is cool, shape it into round balls or patties for the vadas.
- In a separate bowl, make a thick batter by mixing besan, ginger-garlic paste, baking soda, red chili powder, and salt with water.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or Kadai for frying. Dip each prepared vada in the besan batter, ensuring it is coated evenly, and carefully slide it into the hot oil.
- Fry the vadas on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- To assemble the Vada Pav, slice each pav bun horizontally, applying butter to both the inside faces.
- Generously apply green chutney on one side of the bun and tamarind chutney on the other side. Optionally, you can also spread garlic chutney or sprinkle dry garlic chutney for added flavor.
- Place a crispy vada in the bun, squash it gently, and close the bun.
- Serve the freshly made Vada Pav hot with fried green chili as a garnish or as a side.
Tips
- To make the vada more flavorful, you can add finely chopped onions, grated carrots, or crushed peanuts to the potato mixture before shaping them.
- Adjust the spiciness of the vada by adding more or fewer green chilies or red chili powder.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can steam the potato mixture instead of deep-frying it. This will yield a softer and less crispy vada.
- You can toast the pav buns on a hot tawa with a little butter for a light crunch and added flavor.
- Serve Vada Pav with a side of fried green chili to balance the flavors and add an extra kick. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of spicy garlic chutney or coriander chutney for added zing.
Pav Bhaji
Description
Pav Bhaji is a popular and flavorful street food dish that originated in Maharashtra, India. It is a delicious combination of lightly spiced mashed vegetables (bhaji) and buttery pav buns, served with an assortment of toppings. This scrumptious dish is loved by people of all ages and is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To make Pav Bhaji at home, gather the following ingredients:
- For the bhaji:
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Peas
- Carrots
- Capsicum (bell pepper)
- Tomato
- Onion
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Pav Bhaji masala
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Oil
- Water
- For the pav:
- Pav buns
- Butter
- For the toppings:
- Finely chopped onions
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Sev (fried gram flour vermicelli)
Instructions
To prepare Pav Bhaji at home, follow these steps:
- Start by preparing the bhaji. Boil, peel, and roughly mash the potatoes in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a pressure cooker or a pot, boil the cauliflower, peas, carrots, and capsicum until they are soft. Drain the water and mash them coarsely. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn pulpy and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the mashed potatoes and mashed vegetables to the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Add water to the mixture, cover the pan, and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Mash the mixture further with a potato masher to ensure a smooth and semi-coarse texture for the bhaji.
- Add a generous amount of butter to the bhaji and mix well, ensuring it is evenly incorporated.
- To prepare the pav, heat a tawa or griddle and toast the pav buns with a dollop of butter until they turn light golden brown and slightly crisp.
- To serve, place a portion of hot and buttery bhaji on a plate, garnish it with finely chopped onions, a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh coriander leaves, and a generous sprinkle of sev. Serve it alongside the toasted pav buns.
Tips
- You can add other vegetables like beetroot or beans to the bhaji for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the spiciness of the bhaji by adding more or less red chili powder or pav bhaji masala according to your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add a little extra butter while serving for an indulgent and rich flavor.
- You can customize the toppings by adding grated cheese, chopped tomatoes, or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
- Serve Pav Bhaji with a side of pickled green chilies or papad for a complete meal experience.
Chaat Papdi
Description
Chaat Papdi is a popular Indian street food snack that is loved for its explosion of flavors and textures. It consists of crispy fried papdi (flat, crisp, and small puris) topped with a mixture of tangy tamarind chutney, refreshing mint chutney, yogurt, and an assortment of toppings like finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and sev (fried gram flour vermicelli).
Ingredients
To make Chaat Papdi at home, gather the following ingredients:
- Papdi (flat crispy puris)
- Boiled chickpeas
- Boiled and mashed potatoes
- Tamarind chutney
- Mint chutney
- Whisked yogurt
- Finely chopped onions
- Finely chopped tomatoes
- Sev (fried gram flour vermicelli)
- Chaat masala
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
To prepare Chaat Papdi at home, follow these steps:
- Start by assembling the papdi. Arrange the papdi on a plate or a serving platter in a single layer.
- Top each papdi with a spoonful of boiled chickpeas and mashed potatoes.
- Drizzle tangy tamarind chutney and refreshing mint chutney over the papdi.
- Add a dollop of whisked yogurt on top of each papdi, ensuring it is evenly spread.
- Sprinkle finely chopped onions and tomatoes over the papdi.
- Garnish with sev for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Sprinkle chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder for a burst of flavors.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Tips
- Ensure that the papdi is crisp and fresh to retain the crunchiness in the Chaat Papdi.
- Adjust the tanginess and spiciness of the chutneys according to your taste preferences by adding more or less tamarind or mint chutney.
- Customize the Chaat Papdi by adding other toppings like grated carrots, pomegranate seeds, or nylon sev for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Serve immediately after assembling to prevent the papdi from becoming soggy.
- You can make a large batch of papdis in advance and store them in an airtight container for future use.
Paneer Tikka
Description
Paneer Tikka is a popular vegetarian appetizer that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It consists of marinated and grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) along with an assortment of vegetables, imparting a burst of smoky and spiced flavors. It is a delightful and healthy option for those looking to indulge in rich and aromatic Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
To make Paneer Tikka at home, gather the following ingredients:
- Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- Bell peppers (Capsicum)
- Onion
- Tomato
- Hung yogurt
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Tandoori masala
- Garam masala
- Turmeric powder
- Kashmiri red chili powder
- Lemon juice
- Mustard oil
- Salt
- Skewers (bamboo or metal)
- Chaat masala (for garnish)
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
To prepare Paneer Tikka at home, follow these steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the hung yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, garam masala, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, lemon juice, mustard oil, and salt. Mix everything together to form a smooth marinade.
- Cut the paneer, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes into cubes or bite-sized pieces.
- Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper, onion, and tomato pieces to the marinade. Gently mix until all the ingredients are coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated paneer, bell pepper, onion, and tomato alternately onto skewers.
- Place the skewers on the grill or bake them in the oven for around 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are cooked and slightly charred.
- Remove the skewers from the grill or oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle chaat masala and fresh coriander leaves over the Paneer Tikka for added flavor and garnish.
- Serve the Paneer Tikka as a delicious appetizer or as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.
Tips
- Ensure that the paneer is firm to prevent it from crumbling during grilling or baking. If the paneer is too soft, you can place it in warm water for a few minutes before grilling to maintain its texture.
- You can experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to add variety to the Paneer Tikka.
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 10-15 minutes before threading the marinated ingredients to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Use mustard oil in the marinade for an authentic and distinct flavor, but you can replace it with any cooking oil of your choice.
- Serve Paneer Tikka with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges for a delightful experience.
Dabeli
Description
Dabeli is a popular Gujarati street food that has gained popularity throughout India. It consists of a spiced mashed potato filling, tamarind chutney, and a variety of toppings, all served in a soft bun. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes Dabeli an irresistible snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make Dabeli at home, gather the following ingredients:
- For the filling:
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Tomato
- Garlic chutney
- Tamarind chutney
- Pav Bhaji masala
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Oil
- For the toppings:
- Roasted peanuts
- Pomegranate seeds
- Sev (fried gram flour vermicelli)
- Fresh coriander leaves
- For the pav:
- Pav buns
- Butter
Instructions
To prepare Dabeli at home, follow these steps:
- Start by preparing the filling. Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn pulpy and mushy.
- Add garlic chutney, tamarind chutney, pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
- Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix everything together until well combined. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
- Once the mixture is cool, divide it into small portions.
- Cut each pav bun horizontally and apply butter to both sides.
- Spread a generous amount of the prepared potato mixture on one side of the bun.
- Garnish with roasted peanuts, pomegranate seeds, sev, and fresh coriander leaves.
- Cover it with the other side of the bun and press it gently to ensure that the filling sticks together.
- Optionally, you can toast the assembled Dabeli on a tawa or grill for a few minutes to add a light crunch and enhance the flavors.
- Serve immediately and indulge in the sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness of Dabeli.
Tips
- Adjust the spice level of the filling according to your taste preferences by adding more or less red chili powder or garlic chutney.
- You can add other toppings like grated cheese, chopped onions, or chopped tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
- Customize the Dabeli by adding a drizzle of fresh lemon juice or sweet chutney for an extra tangy kick.
- Serve Dabeli with a side of fried green chili or chutney for a delightful and complete experience.
- You can make a large batch of the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for future use.
What’s your favorite Indian street food snack that’s easy to make at home? Share your thoughts and experiences!
