Bhel Puri: The Most Popular And Convenient Street Snack In India

Made with puffed rice, tangy sauce and vegetables, Bhel Puri originated in the western region of the Indian Subcontinent. It is one of those snacks or more popularly known as chaats which is sold in almost every part of India. Being the most popular street side snack that can be consumed while on the move, Bhel Puri is very commonly sold in public spots or tourists spots.

A theory states that Bhel puri was created by the Gujarati people who settled in Mumbai or then Bombay. The recipe was invented by the Gujarati housewives who used to make several other chaats like pakodi puri. Garnishing it with coriander, onion and lemon is also a very common practice.

Experimenting With Bhel Puri To Create Different Flavours

Bhel Puri

Once a version of Bhel puri was made, people all over India started experimenting on it. Several modifications of the dish can be found depending in the availability of the local food and local taste. People have even started adding nuts into this snack in order to make it more appetizing. It also has different names in different parts of India itself. In Bengal, it is known as Jhal muri or puffed rice that is spicy, churumuri in Mangalore, Dry bhel in western Maharashtra.

It is a nutritious and low on fat snack that is very easy to make once the ingredients are collected. Street vendors who sell these often take around 30 seconds or maybe even less to prepare this favourite snack. It is very popularly served in paper cones which makes it easier to eat them. They also taste delicious when added to chips or flatbread along with some kind of tangy or spicy sauce. Small mango chunks can also be added to this dish during the summer which helps in beating the heat.

Sev or an ingredient which is very similar to vermicelli and made using gram flour is mixed with the puffed rice. These ingredients are easily available in India. They are then mixed with onions, potatoes, chutney and a special type of spice known as the chaat masala. The taste of this mixture can be sweet, tart, salty and even spicy depending on the preference of the person who is eating them. The ability to enhance the favour of this bhel puri by using different ingredients contributes to the versatility of the dish.

The best quality about this snack is that it can be appetizing, satisfies hunger for a long time and can be eaten everywhere. This snack is also served in trains where the vendors. However, it cannot be denied that it is not a completely healthy dish but does not fall in the category of being a junk food either.