Spicy and tangy pani (water) is the heart of pani puri, a beloved Indian street food. Packed with vibrant flavors of tamarind, mint, and spices, this refreshing liquid pairs perfectly with the crispy puris.
Serve it with a filling of spiced potatoes, chickpeas, or sprouts for a complete and satisfying snack.
Pani Puri
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving jug or bowl
Ingredients
For the Pani:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves cilantro
- 2-3 green chilies adjust to taste
- 1 inch piece of ginger
- 1/2 cup tamarind pulp
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1/4 tsp black salt
- 1/2 tsp regular salt adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp jaggery or sugar, adjust for balance
- 3 cups chilled water or as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:Wash the mint leaves and coriander leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Roughly chop them for easy blending.Blend the Ingredients:In a blender or food processor, add the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, and tamarind pulp. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Strain the Mixture:Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth into a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon to press out as much liquid as possible.Add Spices and Adjust Flavor:To the strained liquid, add roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, regular salt, and jaggery. Stir well until the jaggery dissolves completely. Adjust the salt, spice, and tanginess to your preference by tasting and adding additional seasonings or lemon juice if needed.
- Dilute and Chill:Add 3 cups of chilled water to the spiced mixture. Mix thoroughly. Adjust the water quantity for the desired consistency and intensity of flavor.Serve:Transfer the pani to a jug or bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold with pani puri shells and your favorite fillings.
Video
Notes
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Use fresh mint and coriander for the best flavor; avoid wilted or yellowing leaves.
- For an extra zing, crush a few fresh mint leaves and stir them into the pani just before serving.
- Adjust the green chili quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing) can enhance the depth of flavor.
Keep the pani chilled for a refreshing experience.
If you don’t have access to traditional Indian ingredients, several alternatives can help you achieve similar flavors. For the tamarind pulp, which provides the characteristic tanginess, you can use fresh lemon juice or a combination of lemon juice and a mild vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar.
While these substitutes won’t replicate tamarind’s depth, they’ll provide a pleasing tang. For the jaggery, which adds a hint of sweetness, brown sugar or honey can work well, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Mint and coriander are essential for the pani’s fresh and herbaceous taste, but in their absence, you can experiment with fresh parsley or basil leaves. While they won’t give the same authenticity, they’ll still contribute a vibrant flavor. For the heat, if green chilies are unavailable, you can substitute with jalapeños or a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Chaat masala, a crucial spice blend, can be replaced with a mix of cumin powder, black salt, and a pinch of dry mango powder (amchur), which mimics its tangy and salty notes. If you don’t have black salt, regular table salt can suffice, though the pani may lack the unique sulfurous kick that black salt provides.
The Bottom Line
Creating spicy and tangy pani for pani puri at home is a delightful way to experience the vibrant flavors of Indian street food in your own kitchen. By combining fresh herbs, bold spices, and tangy tamarind, you can prepare a dish that excites the palate and brings a sense of authenticity to your table.
With a variety of ingredient options and adjustments available, this recipe can be tailored to suit personal preferences or accommodate pantry staples, making it accessible to all. Try it out, share it with loved ones, and savor the refreshing burst of flavors that make pani puri a beloved snack across generations.