Bhel Puri Recipe: How to Make Bhelpuri

Bhel Puri Recipe: How to Make Bhelpuri

Bhel puri is one of the most popular and iconic street snacks. It originated from the beaches of Mumbai, but its spicy, tangy, crunchy, light and refreshing flavour and taste made it the beloved snack across India. It is easy to make, needs no major preparation and can be easily customised based on your taste and preferences.

Whether you want to serve a tea-time snack or a light appetiser, or even an easy treat when guests come over, this bhelpuri recipe is perfect. In this detailed guide, you'll learn how to make bhelpuri, what ingredients to use, helpful tips, variations, and more.

What is Bhel Puri?

Bhel Puri is a savoury Indian snack made using puffed rice or murmura, along with sev, onions that are diced, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, chutney, and spices like chaat masala and red chilli powder, etc. The magic of bhel lies in its balance of textures and flavours:

  • Crispy puffed rice & sev
  • Tangy tamarind chutney
  • Fresh coriander, onions, and tomatoes
  • Pungent chaat masala
  • Spicy green chutney

You'll often find two varieties:

  • Dry Bhel (Sukha Bhel) – uses minimal chutney
  • Wet Bhel (Geela Bhel) - loaded with chutneys for a saucy texture

This recipe includes both, and you can choose what you like.

Bhel Puri Ingredients

Here are the necessary ingredients you would need to make Indian bhel puri at home:

Base Ingredients

  • 3 cups puffed rice (murmura)
  • 1 cup sev (fine sev or nylon sev)
  • 1 cup papdi - optional, crushed

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1-2 boiled potatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
  • 1-2 green chillies, chopped (optional)

Chutneys

  • 3-4 tbsp tamarind chutney (sweet chutney)
  • 1-2 tbsp green chutney (spicy mint-coriander chutney)
  • 1-2 tbsp garlic chutney (optional but authentic)

Seasonings

  • ½ tsp chaat masala
  • ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
  • ¼ tsp red chilli powder
  • Black salt to taste
  • Lemon juice (1-2 tbsp)

The bold deliciousness of bhel is brought about by these ingredients combined.

How to Make Bhelpuri – Step-by-Step Recipe

Learning to make bhel puri at home is very easy. It requires just 10 minutes and no stove or cooking.

1. Prepare the Puff Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add:

  • 3 cups puffed rice
  • 1 cup sev
  • Crushed papdi

Mix gently with your hands to keep everything crunchy.

2. Add Fresh Chopped Vegetables

Next, add:

  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Boiled potatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Green chillies, if using
  • Coriander leaves

These fresh ingredients add a beautiful texture and balance out the flavours.

3. Add Chutneys

To make wet bhel, add:

  • Tamarind chutney for sweetness
  • Green chutney for spice
  • Garlic chutney for depth

Adjust the chutneys according to taste.

For dry bhel, use only 1–2 tbsp tamarind chutney. You can prepare the tamarind chutney in the aloo tikki recipe too; it is also a popular Indian street snack.

4. Add Seasonings

Sprinkle the following:

  • Chaat masala
  • Roasted cumin powder
  • Red chilli powder
  • Black salt
  • Squeeze of lemon

Mix everything together quickly but gently. Bhel becomes soggy very fast, so mix only just before serving.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with:

  • Extra sev
  • Extra coriander
  • A few crushed papdis
  • Lemon wedge on the side

Serve immediately to ensure crispiness.

Tips to Make the Best Bhel Puri

Here are some expert tips to make your 'bhelpuri' recipe perfectly crispy and flavourful:

1. Assemble Just Before Serving

Puffed rice absorbs moisture quickly, so keep ingredients ready but mix only before serving.

2. Use fresh, crispy murmura

If your puffed rice has softened, lightly roast it in a pan for 2–3 min.

3. Adjust the Chutneys

  • More green chutney = spicier bhel
  • More tamarind chutney = sweeter & tangier
  • More garlic chutney = deeper, street-style flavour

4. Customise Your Bhel

Add:

  • Sprouts
  • Roasted Peanuts
  • Raw mango pieces
  • Pomegranate seeds

These add extra crunch and freshness.

Variations of Bhel Puri

There are so many flavourful variations of bhel puri across India. Once you master the classic recipe, try these variations:

1. Mumbai Street-Style Bhel : Slathered with green chutney and garlic chutney – spicy and bold.

2. Kolkata Jhal Muri : Uses mustard oil, chanachur, and lime – sharp and tangy.

3. Dry Sukha Bhel : It uses minimal chutneys and keeps the puffed rice extra crunchy.

4. Healthy Bhel : Uses sprouts, boiled chana, fewer chutneys, and baked papdis.

5. Bhel Salad : A wholesome version loaded with cucumber, onions, tomatoes, and peanuts.

All of these variations follow the same base process: you just mix to preference.

Why You'll Love This Bhelpuri Recipe

  • Ready in 10 minutes
  • No cooking required
  • Perfect for evening snacks
  • Easily customised
  • Light, flavourful & refreshing
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients

If you have ever wanted to recreate that perfect street-side taste at home, this bhelpuri recipe gives you everything.

Conclusion

Bhel puri is more than just a street snack—it's a celebration of India's love for bold flavours, refreshing textures, and quick, fuss-free meals. With its perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, crunch, and spice like chaat masala, this iconic dish brings instant joy to every plate. The best part? You can prepare it in minutes with simple pantry staples, whether you want a light evening snack, a party appetiser, or a healthier chaat alternative.

The above recipe for bhelpuri prepared from fresh ingredients, delicious chutneys, and the right mix of spices will easily help you create that authentic street-style taste in your home. Make variations in it, adjust the flavours as you may like, and share this timeless classic with family and friends. Now, take your ingredients, mix up a fresh bowl, and dive into the delightful world of Indian bhel puri!


Disclaimer : The information provided in this blog is just for general awareness and informational purposes, gathered from various sources. ZOFF Foods do not assure or guarantee any healthy or nutritional results. We strictly recommend you consult a qualified health professional for personalised dietary advice.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main bhel puri ingredients?

A1. The main ingredients of this preparation are puffed rice, sev, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, chutneys, chaat masala, and lemon juice.

Q2. How to prepare bhel puri without chutneys?

A2. Dry bhel can be made using only chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, and green chillies. It is very delicious and crunchy as well.

Q3. Why does my bhel puri turn soggy?

A3. Bhel becomes soggy if mixed too early. Always mix the puffed rice with wet ingredients just before serving.

Q4. Can I store bhel puri?

A4. You cannot store mixed bhel, but you can keep pre-chopped ingredients and store puffed rice separately. Assemble only when serving.

Q5. Is bhel puri healthy?

A5. Yes, it is a low-calorie snack. You can make it healthier by adding sprouts, skipping fried papdi, and reducing chutneys.

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