Indulge your taste buds with the tantalizing flavors of Indian street food, right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving the fiery spices of a pav bhaji or the savory crunch of a samosa, there’s a world of delectable options to explore. From the iconic vada pav to the mouthwatering golgappa, these easy-to-make snacks will transport you to the vibrant streets of India with every bite. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we uncover the secrets to recreating your favorite Indian street food snacks at home.
Pani Puri
Description of Pani Puri
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa, is a popular Indian street food snack that consists of crispy hollow puris filled with a mixture of tangy, sweet, and spicy water (pani) along with flavored chutneys, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and onions. The burst of flavors and textures in each bite makes Pani Puri a delightful and refreshing snack enjoyed by people of all ages.
Ingredients required
To make Pani Puri at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Puri shells
- For the pani:
- Mint leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Green chilies
- Ginger
- Tamarind pulp
- Chaat masala
- Black salt
- Roasted cumin powder
- Salt
- Water
- For the filling:
- Boiled potatoes
- Boiled chickpeas
- Chopped onions
- Tamarind chutney
- Mint chutney
- Optional garnish:
- Sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles)
Steps to make Pani Puri at home
- Prepare the pani by blending together mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, and tamarind pulp to make a smooth paste.
- Transfer the paste to a large bowl and add chaat masala, black salt, roasted cumin powder, and regular salt to taste.
- Dilute the paste with cold water and mix well until all the flavors are combined.
- Set aside the pani in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mashing the boiled potatoes and mixing them with boiled chickpeas, chopped onions, and a pinch of salt.
- Gently crack the top of each puri shell to create a hole for the filling.
- Fill each puri shell with a small amount of the potato and chickpea mixture.
- Arrange the filled puris on a serving plate.
- Pour the chilled pani into a serving container.
- To eat, take one filled puri, dip it in the pani, and pop it into your mouth in one bite to enjoy the explosion of flavors.
- You can also garnish the puris with sev for added crunch.
- Repeat the process with the remaining puris and pani until all are consumed.
Pani Puri is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to retain its crispness. It is a delightful snack to enjoy with friends and family on a warm day or during festive occasions.
Samosa
Description of Samosa
Samosa is a popular Indian street food snack that consists of a crispy, deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes and peas. It is enjoyed as a savory snack or appetizer, and its triangular shape makes it easy to hold and indulge in its delicious flavors.
Ingredients required
To make Samosa at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Water
- For the filling:
- Boiled potatoes
- Green peas
- Onion
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Green chilies
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Garam masala
- Amchur powder (dried mango powder)
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
Steps to make Samosa at home
- Prepare the dough by mixing all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add water and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth and pliable dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mashing the boiled potatoes and mixing them with boiled green peas.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and finely chopped green chilies to the pan and cook for a minute.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, amchur powder, and salt to the pan and mix well.
- Add the potato and pea mixture to the pan and mix it with the spices until well combined.
- Remove the filling from heat and let it cool down.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions and roll each portion into a thin circular sheet.
- Cut the circular sheet in half to form two semi-circles.
- Take one semi-circle and fold it into a cone shape, sealing the edges with water.
- Fill the cone with a spoonful of the prepared filling, ensuring not to overfill.
- Moisten the edges of the cone with water and seal it tightly to form a triangular samosa.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or kadhai for deep frying.
- Gently slide the samosas into the hot oil and fry them on medium-low heat until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried samosas to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Serve hot samosas with mint chutney or tamarind chutney, and enjoy their rich and flavorful taste.
Samosas are perfect for any gathering or as a tea-time snack. The crispy exterior and the savory filling make them a beloved Indian street food snack that can be easily made at home.
Dahi Vada
Description of Dahi Vada
Dahi Vada, also known as Dahi Bhalla, is a popular Indian street food snack made with deep-fried lentil fritters soaked in a tangy yogurt sauce, topped with a medley of sweet and spicy chutneys, and garnished with flavorful spices. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible and refreshing snack.
Ingredients required
To make Dahi Vada at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the vadas:
- Urad dal (split black lentils)
- Ginger
- Green chilies
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Salt
- Oil for deep frying
- For the dahi (yogurt) sauce:
- Thick yogurt
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water
- For the garnish:
- Tamarind chutney
- Mint chutney
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Chaat masala
- Chopped coriander leaves
Steps to make Dahi Vada at home
- Rinse the urad dal and soak it in water for at least 3-4 hours.
- Drain the dal and transfer it to a blender along with ginger, green chilies, asafoetida, and salt.
- Grind the mixture until it becomes a smooth batter, adding a little water if required.
- Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow it to ferment slightly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai for deep frying.
- Wet your hands with water and take small portions of the batter to form flattened vadas.
- Gently slide the vadas into the hot oil and fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once the vadas are cooked, remove them from the oil and transfer them to a bowl of lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess water from the soaked vadas and arrange them on a serving plate.
- Prepare the dahi sauce by whisking together thick yogurt, sugar, salt, and water until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dahi sauce generously over the soaked vadas, making sure they are fully immersed.
- Drizzle tamarind chutney and mint chutney over the dahi-covered vadas.
- Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, chaat masala, and chopped coriander leaves for a burst of flavors and colors.
- Chill the Dahi Vada in the refrigerator for some time to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled Dahi Vada as a perfect appetizer or snack for parties or as a refreshing dish on hot summer days.
Dahi Vada’s combination of soft and spongy vadas soaked in tangy yogurt, complemented by the variety of chutneys and spices, makes it a delightful treat to savor and share with loved ones.
Aloo Tikki
Description of Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian street food snack that consists of crispy potato patties seasoned with a medley of spices and served with various accompaniments such as chutneys, yogurt, or chickpeas. The delicious blend of flavors and textures in each bite makes Aloo Tikki a favorite snack among many.
Ingredients required
To make Aloo Tikki at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Boiled potatoes
- Green peas
- Ginger
- Green chilies
- Red chili powder
- Coriander powder
- Amchur powder (dried mango powder)
- Garam masala
- Salt
- Bread crumbs or cornflour
- Oil for shallow frying
Steps to make Aloo Tikki at home
- Mash the boiled potatoes in a bowl until they are smooth and free of lumps.
- In a separate pan, blanch green peas until they are slightly cooked, then drain and allow them to cool.
- Once the green peas have cooled, add them to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
- Grate ginger and finely chop green chilies, then add them to the potato and pea mixture.
- Add red chili powder, coriander powder, amchur powder, garam masala, and salt to the mixture and combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a round or oval patty.
- Roll each patty in bread crumbs or cornflour to coat them evenly.
- Heat oil in a frying pan for shallow frying the tikkis.
- Gently place the tikkis in the hot oil and cook them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Once the tikkis are cooked, remove them from the heat and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve the Aloo Tikki hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, yogurt, or as desired.
- Garnish the tikkis with chopped coriander leaves and a sprinkle of chaat masala for enhanced flavor.
Aloo Tikki is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a part of a larger recipe such as Aloo Tikki Chaat. Its irresistible taste and crispy texture make it a beloved street food snack that can be easily recreated at home.
Bhelpuri
Description of Bhelpuri
Bhelpuri is a popular street food snack originating from Mumbai, India. It is a savory mixture of puffed rice, sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles), chopped vegetables, tangy tamarind chutney, and spicy green chutney. Bhelpuri is known for its contrasting flavors and textures, making it a favorite among snack lovers.
Ingredients required
To make Bhelpuri at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Puffed rice
- Sev
- Chopped onions
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped boiled potatoes
- Chopped green chilies
- Chopped coriander leaves
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney
- Chaat masala
- Salt
- Lemon juice
Steps to make Bhelpuri at home
- In a large mixing bowl, combine puffed rice, sev, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, chopped boiled potatoes, chopped green chilies, and chopped coriander leaves.
- Add a generous drizzle of tamarind chutney and green chutney over the mixture.
- Sprinkle chaat masala and salt to taste.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture for a tangy kick.
- Mix all the ingredients well until they are evenly coated and combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Bhelpuri immediately for the best texture and flavors.
Bhelpuri is a versatile snack that can be customized to suit individual preferences. You can add additional ingredients such as chopped raw mango, peanuts, or even crispy papdis for extra crunch. Enjoy this delightful street food snack as a quick bite or as a part of a larger meal.
Mumbai Vada Pav
Description of Mumbai Vada Pav
Mumbai Vada Pav, often referred to as the “Indian Burger,” is a famous street food snack that originates from the bustling streets of Mumbai, India. It consists of a spicy and flavorful potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft bread roll (pav), served with a tangy and spicy garlic chutney. Mumbai Vada Pav is a beloved and affordable snack that has become an iconic representation of the city’s street food culture.
Ingredients required
To make Mumbai Vada Pav at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the potato vada:
- Boiled and mashed potatoes
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Green chilies
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Curry leaves
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Salt
- Gram flour (besan)
- Water
- Oil for deep frying
- For the pav:
- Soft bread rolls (pav)
- Butter
- Garlic chutney or red chili chutney
Steps to make Mumbai Vada Pav at home
- In a pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and finely chopped green chilies to the pan and sauté for a minute.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan and mix well.
- Add the boiled and mashed potatoes to the pan and mix them with the spices until well combined.
- Remove the potato mixture from heat and let it cool down.
- Once the potato mixture has cooled, shape it into round or oval patties.
- In a separate bowl, prepare a batter by mixing gram flour with water to form a smooth and thick consistency.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai for deep frying the vadas.
- Dip each potato patty in the gram flour batter, ensuring it is well coated.
- Gently slide the coated vadas into the hot oil and fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once the vadas are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Slice the soft bread rolls (pav) horizontally without separating them completely.
- Apply a generous amount of garlic chutney or red chili chutney on the inner sides of the pav.
- Place a hot vada in between the pav, pressing it gently with your hands to create a sandwich.
- Serve the Mumbai Vada Pav hot with additional garlic chutney or tomato ketchup for extra flavor.
Mumbai Vada Pav is a true representation of the vibrant and rich street food culture of Mumbai. Its simple yet bold flavors and the combination of textures make it a hugely popular snack that can be savored on the go or enjoyed leisurely with friends and family.
Pav Bhaji
Description of Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a classic Mumbai street food dish that consists of a thick vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered and toasted bread rolls (pav). The bhaji is a medley of mashed vegetables cooked in a blend of spices, while the pav is soft and lightly toasted. Pav Bhaji is a flavorful and filling dish that has become a staple snack in many households.
Ingredients required
To make Pav Bhaji at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the bhaji:
- Mixed vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, capsicum)
- Onion
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Green chili
- Tomato
- Pav bhaji masala
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Oil
- For the pav:
- Soft bread rolls (pav)
- Butter
- Pav bhaji masala
Steps to make Pav Bhaji at home
- Boil the mixed vegetables until they are soft and easy to mash.
- Drain the vegetables and set them aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and finely chopped green chili to the pan and cook for a minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Mash the cooked tomatoes with the back of a spoon to form a paste-like consistency.
- Add pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan and mix well with the tomato paste.
- Add the boiled and mashed vegetables to the pan and mix them with the spice mixture until well combined.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the vegetables while they are cooking to attain a thick and slightly chunky consistency.
- Allow the bhaji to simmer on low heat for a few minutes to develop its flavors.
- In a separate pan, split the soft bread rolls (pav) horizontally without separating them completely.
- Heat a generous amount of butter on the same pan and lightly toast the pav on both sides until they turn golden brown.
- Sprinkle pav bhaji masala on the toasted pav for a burst of flavors.
- Serve the hot and spicy bhaji with buttered pav, garnished with a dollop of butter and chopped onions.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bhaji for an extra tangy kick.
- Enjoy Pav Bhaji as a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.
Pav Bhaji is a versatile dish that can be customized by adding additional ingredients such as paneer, corn, or even garnishing it with grated cheese. Its warm and comforting flavors make it a popular street food snack and a go-to dish for countless food lovers.
Masala Dosa
Description of Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian delicacy that has gained immense popularity across the country and beyond. It is a thin and crispy fermented crepe made from a batter of rice and lentils, filled with a flavorful potato masala, and served with coconut chutney and sambar. Masala Dosa’s unique blend of flavors and textures has made it a beloved dish for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day.
Ingredients required
To make Masala Dosa at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the dosa batter:
- Idli rice
- Split black lentils (urad dal)
- Fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)
- Salt
- For the potato masala:
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Curry leaves
- Ginger
- Green chilies
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Oil
- For the coconut chutney:
- Grated coconut
- Roasted chana dal
- Green chilies
- Ginger
- Tamarind pulp
- Salt
- Water
- For the sambar:
- Toor dal
- Vegetables (carrot, beans, drumsticks, pumpkin)
- Onion
- Tomato
- Tamarind pulp
- Sambar powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Oil
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
Steps to make Masala Dosa at home
- Prepare the dosa batter by soaking idli rice, split black lentils, and fenugreek seeds in water for at least 4-5 hours.
- Drain the soaked ingredients and blend them in a mixer or blender until it turns into a smooth batter.
- Add salt to the batter and mix well.
- Cover the batter and let it ferment overnight or for at least 8-10 hours, allowing it to rise and develop a tangy flavor.
- Once the batter has fermented, heat a non-stick skillet or tawa on medium heat.
- Pour a ladleful of the dosa batter onto the hot skillet and gently spread it in a circular motion to form a thin and even crepe.
- Drizzle oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa and cook until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the dosa and cook for a minute on the other side.
- Remove the dosa from the skillet and keep it warm.
- In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle.
- Add finely chopped onions, ginger, and green chilies to the pan and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add turmeric powder and salt to taste.
- Add boiled and mashed potatoes to the pan and mix them with the spices until well combined.
- Remove the potato masala from heat and keep it warm.
- For the coconut chutney, blend grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger, tamarind pulp, salt, and water in a mixer or blender until smooth.
- Heat oil in a pan for the sambar and add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Add finely chopped onions and tomatoes to the pan and sauté until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add tamarind pulp, sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
- Add boiled toor dal and chopped vegetables to the pan and mix them with the spice mixture.
- Simmer the sambar on low heat until the vegetables are cooked through and the flavors are well developed.
- Serve Masala Dosa hot with a scoop of potato masala, coconut chutney, and a bowl of sambar for an authentic South Indian dining experience.
The process of making Masala Dosa requires patience and practice to perfect the thin and crispy texture. However, the effort is well worth the reward of enjoying this delightful and hearty dish that has become a beloved part of Indian cuisine.
Chole Bhature
Description of Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy and tangy chickpea curry (chole) paired with deep-fried bread made from fermented dough (bhature). It is a flavorful and filling combination that is often enjoyed as a hearty meal for breakfast or lunch. Chole Bhature’s rich taste and textures have made it a favorite street food and restaurant delicacy.
Ingredients required
To make Chole Bhature at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the chole (chickpea curry):
- White chickpeas (kabuli chana)
- Onion
- Tomato
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Green chilies
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala
- Amchur powder (dried mango powder)
- Salt
- Oil
- For the bhature:
- All-purpose flour
- Semolina (rava)
- Yogurt
- Oil
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Water
- Oil for deep frying
Steps to make Chole Bhature at home
- Soak the white chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and pressure cook them with water and salt until they are soft and cooked through.
- In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and finely chopped green chilies to the pan and cook for a minute.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan and mix well.
- Drain the cooked chickpeas and add them to the pan along with some water, allowing the curry to simmer for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
- Add amchur powder for a tangy kick and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, yogurt, oil, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add water and knead the mixture until it forms a soft and pliable dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 1-2 hours to allow the fermentation process.
- Once the dough has fermented, divide it into smaller portions and shape each portion into a round ball.
- Roll each ball into a flat circular shape, similar to a puri or a paratha.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai for deep frying the bhature.
- Gently slide the rolled bhature into the hot oil and fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and puffy.
- Remove the fried bhature from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the hot and fluffy bhature with a generous serving of chole, garnished with chopped onions and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
Chole Bhature is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a special treat or as a part of a festive meal. Its combination of rich and flavorful chickpea curry with the indulgent deep-fried bhature makes it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Paneer Tikka
Description of Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer or snack made by marinating cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a blend of aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. It is a flavorful and protein-packed dish that is enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Paneer Tikka’s smoky flavors and tender texture make it a favorite choice for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients required
To make Paneer Tikka at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- Hung yogurt
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Tandoori masala
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Garam masala
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Oil for grilling
- Onion
- Capsicum
- Tomato
Steps to make Paneer Tikka at home
- Cut paneer into cubes and set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine hung yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, kasuri methi, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix all the ingredients together to form a smooth and thick marinade.
- Add paneer cubes to the marinade and gently coat them with the mixture.
- Cover the bowl and let the paneer marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Meanwhile, cut onions, capsicum, and tomatoes into cubes for grilling.
- Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the marinated paneer cubes and alternatingly add onion, capsicum, and tomato cubes to the skewers to create colorful kebabs.
- Place the skewers on the grill or oven rack and brush them with oil.
- Grill the paneer skewers for a few minutes on each side until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
- Remove the paneer tikka skewers from the grill or oven and let them cool for a minute.
- Serve the Paneer Tikka hot as an appetizer or snack, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Paneer Tikka can be enjoyed on its own or served with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup for added flavor. Its succulent and smoky taste makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared at home with ease.
In conclusion, Indian street food snacks offer a wide array of flavors and experiences that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s the tangy and refreshing Pani Puri, the crispy and flavorful Samosa, or the spicy and tangy Chole Bhature, these dishes provide a mouthwatering journey through the vibrant and diverse cuisine of India. Experiment with these recipes, embrace the flavors, and enjoy the deliciousness of Indian street food right in your own kitchen.
