Master the Art of Making Perfect Sev Puri at Home
Sev puri, a traditional Indian snack that's both loved and adored, is a perfect example of simple yet satisfying street food. While you can easily find it at any roadside stall, making it at home can be a delightful experience. This delectable snack consists of crispy puris (deep-fried round unleavened bread) stuffed with spiced gram flour (besan) and topped with tailed sev (potato chips). Let's dive into the delicious world of sev puri and explore how you can perfect it from the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients and Tools
For the Puri: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoons salt 100 ml warm water Vegetable oil for frying Note: For a more authentic taste, you can use red river flour as per personal preference.
For the Besan Pakoda: 1 cup gram flour (besan) A pinch of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust according to taste) 1/4 teaspoon garam masala 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1 medley of finely chopped green chilies, coriander, and curry leaves 1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews (optional) Vegetable oil for frying Note: Haldi Ram brand ready-made pakoda mix is also a convenient option for those who are pressed for time.
For the Sev: Potato, peeled and finely shredded Fresh coconut, finely grated 1 green chilli, finely chopped Lemon juice Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Making the Puri
To make the puris, start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the warm water and knead the dough to a smooth consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
After 15-20 minutes, roll the dough into pliable sheets of about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into round shapes using a large cookie cutter or a bowl. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the puris in the hot oil, frying them until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Drain the puris on a paper towel and keep them ready.
Step 2: Preparing the Besan Pakoda
In a bowl, mix the besan, baking powder, salt, red chilli powder, and garam masala. Add the plain yogurt and mix well until a thick batter forms. Fold in the finely chopped green chilies, coriander, curry leaves, and roasted cashews, if using. The batter should be thick enough to hold the filling inside the puris.
Take each puri, stuff it with the besan mixture, and seal the edges securely. Dust the stuffed puris with a little besan and chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Heat the oil again for frying. Carefully place the stuffed puris in the hot oil, frying them until golden brown and crispy. Drain the pakodas on a paper towel and keep them ready.
Step 3: Making the Sev
Shred the potato finely, and wash the shredded potato in cold water several times to remove the starch. Gently squeeze out the excess water, and grate fresh coconut. Mix the shredded potato, grated coconut, finely chopped green chilli, and lemon juice in a bowl, adding salt to taste. Mix well and set aside.
Serving Suggestions
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan. Add the sev and fry it until it starts to pop and becomes crispy. Sprinkle the sev over the stuffed puris (pakodas), and serve immediately with a side of tamarind chutney or coconut chutney. Enjoy the perfect sev puri that's as crispy as it is tasty.
Conclusion
Making sev puri at home might seem intimidating at first, but with these detailed steps and a bit of practice, you can master this art. The average cooking time for sev puri is around 1 hour from start to finish. This authentic Indian snack is not only delicious but also a great project to undertake with family or friends, adding fun to your meal preparation time.
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Q: What can I use instead of sev?
A: You can use gram flour chips (finger-shaped sev) or any other chips of your choice to garnish the stuffed puris.
Q: Can I use pre-made besan pakoda mixes?
A: Yes, using a ready-made mix from Haldi Ram or any other brand can save time and effort. Ensure to follow the instructions provided on the package for best results.