Experience the authentic taste of Mumbai with this easy homemade Bhel Puri recipe! Made with crunchy kurmura, three kinds of flavorful chutneys, fresh veggies, and crispy toppings, this iconic Indian street food is a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, tangy, and sour flavors. Naturally vegan, Bhelpuri Chaat is crispy, crunchy, and delicious!
Jump to:
- What is Bhel Puri - The Iconic Indian Street Food
- Different Types of Bhel Poori
- What Does Bhel Puri Taste Like
- Popular Indian Street Food Snacks
- Why Make This
- 🧾 Ingredients Needed
- How To Make It 🔪
- 🍽 Serving Suggestions
- How to Eat Indian Bhel
- Set up a Bhelpuri Station
- 💭 Priya's Recipe Tips
- FAQs 📖
- More Indian street food recipes
- Recipe 📖
What is Bhel Puri - The Iconic Indian Street Food
Bhelpuri is a popular savory chaat from India, especially famous on the streets of Bombay. Often enjoyed as a beach snack, it's as iconic as Bombay Sandwich, Sundal, or Bhutta. Even today, when visiting Juhu Beach or Chowpatty in Bombay, we eagerly search for a street vendor selling fresh Bhelpuri. Some other popular Chaat recipes are Sev Puri and Pani Puri.
This street-style Indian vegan Bhel Puri chaat recipe is also called Geeli (Wet) Bhel due to its use of three vibrant chutneys-green coriander chutney, sweet and sour tamarind chutney, and spicy red garlic chutney. Since Geeli Bhel can get soggy if prepared in advance, it's always made fresh and served immediately.
Key ingredients in this famous Indian chaat include kurmura (puffed rice), onions, tomatoes, potatoes, raw mango (kairi), peanuts, crispy chana dal, chickpeas, tangy chaat masala, kala namak, cumin powder, sev, Papdi, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice. In my experience, Bombay Bhel Puri tastes best when made at home or served by a street vendor-it just doesn't hit the same when served in fancy restaurants!
Different Types of Bhel Poori
Bhel Puri recipe has many delicious variations across India. A popular version is Sukha Bhel (Dry Puffed Rice Bhel), also known as Jammu-style Murmura Bhel. This variation skips the wet chutneys and uses a special dry chutney powder, while the other ingredients remain similar. It's a quick snack to prepare and can be made ahead of time without getting soggy.
This famous Bombay chaat has regional cousins throughout India. In Bengal, it's called Jhalmuri, while Indori Puffed Rice Bhel is a specialty from Madhya Pradesh. Karnataka has its version known as Churumuri. If you mix in yogurt, it becomes Dahi Bhel Puri. Another interesting twist is Chinese Bhel, an Indo-Chinese fusion dish made with fried noodles and Asian sauces.
What Does Bhel Puri Taste Like
Vegan Bhel Puri is a flavor-packed experience like no other! This iconic and popular Bombay street food is a vibrant mix of sweet, spicy, tangy, and sour flavors, all coming together in one bite. Each mouthful feels like a burst of flavors dancing on your palate. What makes the Mumbai Bhel Puri recipe even more irresistible is the variety of textures-it's crispy, crunchy, and soft at the same time. With its colorful ingredients and bold flavors, this homemade vegan chaat is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Popular Indian Street Food Snacks
Vada Pav, Ragda Patties, Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav, Aloo Toast, Dabeli Pizza, Mushroom Kalan, Moong Dal Pakora, Tawa Chole, Mexican Pani Puri, and Sev Puri, Dal Pakwan Tostadas, and Hakka Noodles are my favorite street foods from India. If you are a fan of dry crunchy snacks, then check out these recipes - Crispy Moong Dal, Rice Krispies Chivda, and Roasted Almonds.
Why Make This
- A quick, and easy street-style Indian snack recipe
- Naturally vegan and soy-free
- Requires minimal cooking and prep
- Ready in just 15 minutes if all the components are ready
- Authentic flavor, far better than store-bought mixes
- Addictively crispy, crunchy, and savory
- A crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any occasion
🧾 Ingredients Needed
To Make Red Garlic Chutney for Bhelpuri
Dried red chillies - Adds heat and vibrant color to the chutney.
Fresh Garlic cloves - Brings a bold, pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Spices - Cumin powder and black salt enhance the chutney with an earthy, smoky depth.
To Make Bhelpuri
Puffed Rice (Kurmura, Mamra, Murmura) - The main ingredient that gives Bombay Bhel Puri its signature crunch. You can also use ready-made Bhel Mix from Indian grocery stores for convenience.
Raw Mango (Kairi) - If in season, raw mango adds a delightful tangy flavor to the Chaat, enhancing its taste.
Veggies - A combination of finely chopped onions, juicy tomatoes, and tender boiled potatoes adds freshness and texture to the Bhelpuri Chaat.
Roasted Peanuts - Adds a nutty crunch that complements the other textures.
Green Chutney - Offers a refreshing, spicy kick. Thin it out with water if needed, but avoid making it too runny.
Sweet Tamarind Chutney (Meetha Chutney) - Balances the flavors with its tangy sweetness, a perfect match for the spicy chutneys. It's made with tamarind, dates, and jaggery. You can make Meetha Chutney for Bhelpuri at home or buy it ready from the store.
Crispy Lentils - Masala chana dal or any store-bought crispy fried lentils provide an extra crunchy bite.
Roasted Chickpeas (Chana) - Adds additional texture and flavor to the mix.
Spices - Black salt (Kala Namak), chaat masala, and chopped green chillies give Bombay Chaat its classic street-food seasoning.
For Bhelpuri Garnish
Nylon Sev - Thin, crispy chickpea noodles that add a delightful crunch and flavor. Available on Amazon or at Indian grocery stores. I have a recipe for a thicker Sev version on the blog. Ensure they're fresh, not stale, for the best taste.
Papdi or Plain Puri - Essential for Mumbai Bhel Puri, these round savory crackers add texture and can be used as scoops for the Chaat. Plain Puri is available online or in Indian grocery stores. They're different from the puris used in Pani Puri. You can also make them at home from scratch using wheat flour.
Cilantro - Freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright, herby flavor.
Lemon Juice - A squeeze of lemon juice brings a zesty tang that balances the flavors perfectly.
How To Make It 🔪
To Make Red Garlic Chutney
- Soak dried red chillies in water for an hour.
- Drain and transfer to a blender jar.
- Add garlic, cumin powder, black salt, and salt.
- Blitz to make a smooth paste by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water.
To Make Bhel Puri
- Dry roast kurmura on low flame for 2-3 minutes or till they turn crisp. Keep tossing the kurmura in the pan to ensure even roasting and to prevent it from burning. Chef tip - You can add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, and red chilly powder while roasting the kurmura. This will give the plain puffed rice color and flavor. Roasting makes the kurmura crispy.
- Transfer the roasted kurmura (crispy puffed rice) to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool down.
- Add roasted peanuts, masala lentils, and Chana (roasted chickpeas).
- Add boiled, peeled, and diced potatoes.
- Then add the finely chopped tomatoes.
- Followed by finely chopped onions.
- Add finely chopped raw mangoes, green chillies, black salt, and chaat masala.
- Add green chutney.
- Then add sweet tamarind chutney and red garlic chutney.
- Mix it all. Chef tip - Add these chutneys little by little. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If too spicy, add some meetha chutney. If it lacks salt, add it. Add more red garlic chutney and green chutney to make it more spicy.
To Garnish the Bhelpuri
- Add lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
- Top with sev and broken Papdi. Also, sprinkle Dry Sukha Bhel Chutney (if you have it). Mix and taste the Bhelpuri mixture again. If the flavors are well-balanced, serve immediately.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve vegan Bhel Puri Chaat immediately for the best crunch! It's meant to be enjoyed at room temperature or cold, not hot. When preparing for a large group, make this Puffed Rice snack in batches to keep the sev and puffed rice fresh and crispy.
Chatpati Bhelpuri is perfect as an evening snack alongside Tea, Coffee, or Dalgona Coffee, but it can also make a delicious lunch or dinner option. This Bhel recipe is so tasty that you must give it a try!
Consider serving Bombay Bhel Puri at your next house party, potluck, weekend brunch, game night, or holiday celebration-whether it's Diwali, Holi, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve! Pair it with delightful desserts like Shahi Tukda, Mango Phirni, Rasmalai Cake, Seviyan Kheer, or Gulab Jamun Kulfi for a truly memorable feast.
This Bhel Puri Chaat recipe is also an excellent snack for picnics. Just pack the wet ingredients separately and mix them right before serving to maintain that perfect crunch!
How to Eat Indian Bhel
To enjoy Bhel Puri Bombay street style, skip the spoon and fork! For an authentic street food experience, serve Indian Bhel Chaat in paper cones. To eat, use a paper spoon or scoop it with crispy Papdi for a delightful crunch in every bite. Alternatively, you can serve Bombay Chowpatty-style Bhel Puri Chaat in simple small bowls, or glasses, generously garnished with sev and fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation. You can get creative with your Bhel Puri serving ideas!
Set up a Bhelpuri Station
Since Bhel Puri can become soggy if prepared in advance, setting up a Bhel Puri station is an excellent way to let your guests create their own customized Chaat in real-time. Arrange all the ingredients-puffed rice, fresh veggies, chutneys, sev, and garnishes-so guests can mix and match to their liking.
This interactive experience not only adds fun to your gathering but also ensures that each serving is fresh and perfectly crunchy. Guests can easily personalize their Bombay Bhel Puri (more spicy, or sweet) with their favorite toppings, making it a hit at any event!
💭 Priya's Recipe Tips
Fresh Kurmura: Ensure the puffed rice (kurmura) is fresh and not stale. Roasting the kurmura is essential to prevent the Bhel Puri from becoming soggy immediately after mixing with chutneys.
Customize Flavor: Adjust the ingredients based on your desired level of spice, sourness, and sweetness. For a milder flavor suitable for kids, consider reducing the spice levels in the green chutney and red garlic chutney. You can also add a touch of tomato ketchup for sweetness.
Bhelpuri Chutney Choices: While store-bought chutneys are convenient, homemade Bhel Puri chutneys offer a superior taste.
Ready-Made Options: You can find ready Indian Bhel Mix in Indian grocery stores, which typically include kurmura, sev, and Papdi. Simply add your choice of veggies and chutneys for a quick and delicious Bhel Puri Chaat!
FAQs 📖
To give your Bhel Puri a unique twist or enhance its benefits, consider adding a variety of ingredients. Chopped cucumber, grated carrots, and beets provide extra crunch and nutrition, while pomegranate arils add a burst of sweetness. You can also include sprouts, bell peppers, chickpeas, or avocado for additional texture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to omit the potatoes. The beauty of Bhel Chaat lies in its versatility, so you can easily incorporate more veggies and fruits of your choice. Some people even like to add a namkeen mixture (farsaan) to elevate the taste and create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
If you don't have access to Indian puffed rice (kurmura), several substitutes can still help you create a delicious Bhel Puri. You can use puffed wheat or puffed quinoa for a similar texture. Makhana (fox nuts) offers a unique crunch and is a great alternative. Other options include cheeselings, unsweetened cornflake cereal, crushed tortilla chips, or even Rice Krispies. Each of these substitutes can add its own twist to your Bhel Puri while maintaining its delightful crunch!
To prepare a Jain Bhel Puri, simply omit traditional ingredients such as onions, potatoes, and ginger. Instead of the red garlic chutney, focus on adding refreshing elements like cucumbers, grated raw papaya, radish, and pomegranate. These ingredients not only maintain the essence of Bhel Puri but also contribute to a vibrant and flavorful dish that aligns with Jain dietary practices. Mix everything together with your favorite green chutney, and sweet chutney. Garnish, and enjoy this delightful Jain variation of a classic street food favorite!
Mumbai Bhel Puri can be gluten-free, as most of its ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, the traditional Papdi used in Bhel Puri is made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. To keep your Bhelpuri gluten-free, simply skip the Papdi or use a gluten-free alternative. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of Bhel Puri without compromising on your dietary preferences!
Bhel Puri is already a low-calorie Indian chaat recipe, but you can enhance its nutritional value even further. To make a healthier version, consider skipping the fried Papdi and sev or using them in moderation. You can also make them at home to control the ingredients. Opt for baked Papdi instead of fried for a lighter option. To reduce sugar intake, decrease the amount of meetha chutney. For added protein and fiber, skip the potatoes and incorporate chickpeas or sprouts. These simple adjustments will help you enjoy a delicious and nourishing Bhel Puri without compromising on flavor!
To enjoy Bhel Puri whenever the craving strikes, prepare and freeze all three chutneys-spicy green chutney, meetha chutney, and spicy red garlic chutney. Simply thaw the chutneys overnight in the fridge before using them to make fresh Bhel Puri. Additionally, keep your pantry stocked with dry ingredients, such as kurmura, sev, and Papdi, stored in airtight containers to maintain their crispiness and prevent staleness. You can also chop all the necessary veggies a few hours in advance. While it's best to make fresh Bhel Puri to savor its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture, leftovers can be stored in the fridge. To enjoy it later, warm it for a minute in the microwave and dig in!
More Indian street food recipes
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Recipe 📖
Bhel Puri Recipe | Bhelpuri Chaat
Equipment
Ingredients
To Make Red Garlic Chutney
- 6 dried red chillies
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon black salt
- salt
To Make Bhelpuri
- 5 cups kurmura
- ¼ cup peanuts
- ¼ cup roasted chickpeas
- ¼ cup crispy lentils or masala chana dal
- 1-2 boiled potatoes
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 onion
- ½ cup raw mango
- 2-3 green chillies
- 2 teaspoon chaat masala
- 2 teaspoon black salt
- 4 tablespoon green chutney
- 4 tablespoon sweet tamarind chutney
- 2 tablespoon red garlic chutney
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup cilantro
- 15 papdi
- 1 cup sev
- 2 tablespoon Dry Sukhi Bhel Chutney optional
Instructions
To Make Red Garlic Chutney
- Soak dried red chillies in water for an hour.
- Drain and transfer to a blender jar.
- Add garlic, cumin powder, black salt, and salt.
- Blitz to make a smooth paste by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water.
To Make Bhelpuri
- Dry roast kurmura on low flame for 2-3 minutes or till they turn crisp. Keep tossing the kurmura in the pan to ensure even roasting and to prevent it from burning. Chef tip - You can add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder while roasting the kurmura. This will give the puffed rice a yellow color. Roasting makes the kurmura crispy.
- Transfer the roasted kurmura to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool down.
- Add roasted peanuts, masala lentils, and Chana (roasted chickpeas).
- Add boiled, peeled, and diced potatoes.
- Then add the finely chopped tomatoes.
- Followed by finely chopped onions.
- Add finely chopped raw mangoes, green chillies, black salt, and chaat masala.
- Add green chutney.
- Then add sweet tamarind chutney and red garlic chutney.
- Mix it all. Chef tip - Add these chutneys little by little. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If too spicy, add some meetha chutney. If it lacks salt, add it. Add more red garlic chutney and green chutney to make it more spicy.
For Garnish
- Add lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
- Top with sev and broken Papdi. Also, sprinkle Dry Sukha Bhel Chutney (if you have it). Mix and taste it again. If the flavors are well-balanced, serve immediately.
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