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Picture this: You're walking down the crowded streets of India, and the tantalizing aroma of roasted puffed rice and fragrant spices is wafting through the air. You stop at a food stall, and the vendor is serving up a plate of bhel to a hungry crowd. Bhel is a beloved street food staple that is a mix of puffed rice, veggies, and chutneys that burst with flavor in your mouth.
Bhel is a must-try when exploring India's diverse street food scene. It's an iconic snack that originated in Mumbai but is now enjoyed across the country. The beauty of bhel lies in its versatility; it can be made in various ways, each with its own unique twist.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through India's iconic street food culture, specifically focusing on bhel. We have scoured the country to bring you five delectable bhel recipes that will satisfy your street food cravings. These recipes are easy to make and will transport your taste buds to the streets of India.
From the classic Mumbai-style bhel to the tangy Delhi-style bhel puri, these recipes show the wide range of flavors and ingredients used in Indian food. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds longing for more!
Classic Bhel Puri
Bhel puri is a classic street food snack that originates from Mumbai. This dish is made with a mix of puffed rice, sev (crispy chickpea noodles), chutneys, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. To prepare it, start by mixing the puffed rice and sev in a large mixing bowl. Then, add chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro to the mixture. Finally, add the tamarind and mint chutneys to the mix and give it a good toss. Serve this crunchy, tangy, and savory snack in paper cones or bowls.
Taste: Crunchy, tangy, and savory
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 200
Corn Bhel
Corn bhel is a popular variation of the classic bhel puri. To make this recipe, boil fresh corn and mix it with puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and cilantro. Then, add in a spicy and tangy mix of tamarind and mint chutneys, along with a sprinkle of chaat masala for that extra zing. Top it with sev and serve immediately for a delicious and flavorful snack.
Taste: Spicy, tangy, and sweet
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 250
Dahi Puri
Dahi puri is a popular variation of bhel puri that's made with mini-puris (hollow, crispy semolina shells) that are filled with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and chutneys. To prepare this dish, first, make the mini-puris by frying them until they are crispy. Then, fill them with a mixture of boiled potatoes and chickpeas. Finally, top them with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and chopped cilantro for a refreshing and tangy twist on the classic bhel puri.
Taste: Tangy and refreshing
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 150
Chana Dal Bhel
Chana dal bhel is a healthy and nutritious twist on the classic bhel puri. To make this dish, mix puffed rice and sev with a mix of chana dal (split Bengal gram), chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Then, add a zesty mix of lemon juice, green chilies, and chaat masala for a tangy and spicy kick. This bhel variation is packed with protein and fiber and is perfect for those who are health-conscious.
Taste: Tangy, spicy, and nutty
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 180
Pav Bhaji Bhel
Pav bhaji is a popular street food dish that originated in Mumbai. This bhel variation takes the flavors of pav bhaji and combines them with the crunchy goodness of bhel puri. To make this recipe, start by mixing puffed rice and sev with a mix of boiled and mashed vegetables (such as potatoes, peas, and carrots). Then, add a zesty mix of pav bhaji masala, lemon juice, and chopped onions and tomatoes. Top it with some buttered and toasted pav (bread) for a tasty and filling meal.
Taste: Spicy, tangy, and buttery
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 300
The chutneys used in bhel, such as tamarind, mint, and coriander chutney, are the perfect accompaniments because they add depth of flavor and balance to the dish. The spicy and tangy flavors of the dish go well with the sweet and sour tamarind chutney. The mint and coriander chutney adds a burst of fresh flavor. In addition to chutneys, bhel is often served with other accompaniments like sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles), peanuts, and diced onions. These additions provide additional texture and crunch, making each bite of bhel a delicious and satisfying experience.
There are a lot of different flavors, textures, and ingredients to try in the world of bhel. From the classic Mumbai-style bhel puri to the more modern fusion creations, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer your bhel spicy or sweet, tangy or creamy, there is a recipe out there to suit your tastes. So the next time you're craving a snack, why not take a culinary journey through the streets of India with one of these five delicious bhel recipes? Whether you're enjoying it on the go or in the comfort of your own home, one thing is for sure - these bhel dishes are sure to satisfy your street food cravings and leave you feeling satisfied and content.
