Bhelpuri

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Bhelpuri
Indian cuisine-Chaat-Bhelpuri-03.jpg
Alternative namesBhel (Maharashtra), (Gujarat), Bhela, Churu Muri / Churmuri (Karnataka),[1] Jhaal Muri (Kolkata), Jhāla Mudhi (Odisha), Bhaaja (Bhojpuri, Maithili, Awadhi), Chatpatey (Nepali)
TypeSnack, chaat
Place of originIndian subcontinent
Region or stateMaharashtra, Nepal, Gujarat, Odisha, Kolkata, West Bengal, Mysore, Karnataka
Main ingredientsPuffed rice, sev
VariationsSevpuri, dahi bhelpuri, sev papdi chaat

Bhelpuri is a savoury snack, originating from the Indian subcontinent, and is also a type of chaat. It is made of puffed rice, vegetables and a tangy tamarind sauce.[2][3]

Bhel is often identified with the beaches of Mumbai, such as Chowpatty or Juhu.[4] One theory for its origin is that it was invented at a restaurant called Vithal near Victoria Terminus. According to another theory, bhelpuri was contributed by the city's Gujaratis, who made it by adding complex flavours to the simple North Indian chaat. Gujarati housewives began making it, and invented several varieties like the pakodi puri, and as it spread many different communities like the Mangaloreans and Sindhis made their own versions.[5]

The recipe has spread to most parts of India where it has been modified to suit local food availability. Dry bhel is made from bhadang, a spicy namkeen from Western Maharashtra, and is consumed after garnishing with onions, coriander and lemon juice.[citation needed] The Kolkata variant of bhelpuri is called jhalmuri (meaning "spicy puffed rice").[citation needed] A native Mysore variant of bhelpuri is known as churumuri or churmuri in Mangalore.[6]

History[edit]

There is no clear mention of when and where bhelpuri was first prepared, but it likely originated in cafes and street food stalls of Mumbai. Bhelpuri belongs to the family of chaats, which are salty and spicy snacks sold on carts throughout India.

Commonly used ingredients[edit]

Preparation of Bhel in Home

Bhelpuri is made from puffed rice and sev (a fried snack shaped like thin noodles made from besan flour) mixed with potatoes, onions, chat masala and chutney and a mixture of other fried snacks as the base of the snack.[7] Bhelpuri has a balance of sweet, salty, tart and spicy flavors, with different textures as well, including crispy and crunchy from the puffed rice and fried sev. Other commonly used ingredients include tomatoes and chilis added to the base. In northern India recipes also include boiled potatoes cut into small pieces.[8]

Different chutneys impart a sweet, tangy or spicy flavour. There are two popular chutneys used: a dark brown sweet one made mainly from dates and tamarind (saunth chutney) and a green spicy chutney made from coriander, mint leaves and green chillies.

Variations[edit]

Dahi Bhel Puri
Bhelpuri with dahi on top

Bhelpuri is also made by sprinkling the puffed rice mixture with chunks of diced raw sweet mango. The finished snack is often garnished with a combination of diced onions, coriander leaves and chopped green chilies. It is sometimes served with papri puris, a deep-fried small round and crispy wheat bread.

Other variants of bhelpuri:

  • Bhel sevpuri - a mixture of bhelpuri, chutney, papdi and sev.
  • Dahi bhel puri - a mixture of bhelpuri, chutney, papdi and dahi (yogurt).
  • Sev papdi chaat - similar to sevpuri but with multiple types of chutney, potatoes, and chat masala.
  • Churmuri - finely cut pieces of onion, tomato, coriander leaves along with chilli powder are mixed, adding a few drops of coconut oil. Sometimes fried or roasted groundnuts may be added.
  • Healthy High-protein Bhel Puri - Bhel Puri is very popular Indian snack.[9] This dish includes sprouts, nuts, raisins and muesli flakes that make it much healthier.[10]

Serving[edit]

A street-side vendor preparing Bhelpuri

Bhel puri can be served in many ways, but it is usually served in a paper folded in the form of a cone and is consumed using a paper spoon or by the papdi which is itself an edible component of the bhel puri or it is put on a plate.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Churmuri". The taste of Mysore. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  2. ^ Price, Jane (2007). Gourmet Vegetarian: The Vegetarian Recipes You Must Have. Murdoch Books. p. 256. ISBN 978-1-921259-09-8.
  3. ^ Gupta, Niru. "Bhel Puri". Niru Gupta. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  4. ^ Doshi, Malvi Doshi with Neil; Quayle, Bella Doshi; foreword by Michele Anna Jordan; illustrations by Sonya (2002). Cooking along the Ganges: the vegetarian heritage of India. New York: Writer's Showcase. ISBN 0-595-24422-X.
  5. ^ Vir Sanghvi (2004). Rude Food: The Collected Food Writings of Vir Sanghvi. Penguin Books India. pp. 100–102. ISBN 978-0-14-303139-0.
  6. ^ "What is churumuri". Churumuri. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  7. ^ Bhel puri
  8. ^ Harpham, [editor Zoë (2004). The essential rice cookbook. Sydney (N.S.W.): Murdoch Books. ISBN 1-74045-540-1.CS1 maint: Extra text: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Tarla Dalal. Fast Foods Made Healthy. Sanjay&Company. ISBN 978-8-186469-75-0.
  10. ^ Ripudaman Handa. "Healthy Bhel Puri". Livingfoodz.com.
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