Pani Puri on Google Doodle: How to Make Crispy Pani Puri in Less Than 20 Minutes

On April 18, 2023, Google paid tribute to one of India’s most beloved and iconic street foods – the Pani Puri – with a delightful and interactive Doodle. The Doodle not only celebrated the tangy and flavorful treat but also highlighted its cultural significance and the joy it brings to millions of people across the country.

Pani Puri, also known as Gol Gappa or Gup Chup, is a quintessential Indian snack that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people from all walks of life. This mouth-watering delicacy consists of crispy, hollowed-out semolina balls filled with a medley of flavors, including a tangy tamarind chutney, spicy mint water (pani), and an array of savory chutneys and spices.

If the Google Doodle has left you craving for this irresistible treat, fear not! We’ve got you covered with a quick and easy recipe that will allow you to create crispy and delicious Pani Puri in less than 20 minutes, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Puri (Crispy Shells):

• 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Water for kneading

For the Pani (Spicy Water):

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup mint leaves (pudina)
• 1-2 green chilies
• 1 tsp tamarind chutney
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp black salt (kala namak)
• Salt to taste

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/4 cup boiled chickpeas (chhola)
• 1 tsp tamarind chutney
• 1 tsp green chutney
• 1 tsp sweet chutney
• 1 tbsp finely chopped onions
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Puri:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Add water gradually and knead to form a smooth, pliable dough. Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Divide the dough into lemon-sized balls and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls.
3. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a thin, round puri approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
4. Heat oil in a kadhai or deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, gently slide in the puris and fry until they puff up and turn golden brown.
5. Remove the puris from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Preparing the Pani:

1. In a blender, combine the mint leaves, green chilies, tamarind chutney, cumin powder, black salt, and water. Blend until smooth.
2. Transfer the pani to a serving bowl and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if needed.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas, tamarind chutney, green chutney, sweet chutney, chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, roasted cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.

Assembling the Pani Puri:

1. Using a sharp knife or a puri cutter, make a small hole in the center of each puri.
2. Fill the puris with the potato-chickpea mixture.
3. Gently dip the filled puris into the pani and allow the pani to seep into the filling.
4. Pop the pani-soaked puri into your mouth and experience an explosion of flavors!

While this recipe provides a quick and easy way to make Pani Puri at home, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure you achieve the perfect crispy and tangy treat:

1. Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough well to ensure the puris turn out crispy and flaky. Overworking the dough can make the puris tough and chewy.
2. Rolling the Puris: Roll the puris as thin as possible without breaking them. Thinner puris will puff up better and become crispier.
3. Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Too hot, and the puris will brown quickly without cooking through; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
4. Pani Balance: Adjust the pani’s tanginess and spice levels to your liking. The perfect pani should be tangy, spicy, and refreshing.
5. Serving Immediately: Pani Puri is best enjoyed immediately after assembling, as the puris can become soggy if left for too long.

Pani Puri is more than just a snack; it’s a cultural experience that brings people together and celebrates the vibrant flavors of India. Whether you’re indulging in this treat at a street stall or recreating it at home, the combination of crispy puris, tangy chutney, and spicy pani is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

So, the next time you see the Google Doodle celebrating Pani Puri, let it inspire you to whip up a batch of this delectable treat and savor the flavors that have captivated the hearts and palates of Indians for generations.