Masala Puri Chaat
A popular street food from Bangalore where crispy puris are crushed and drenched in a hot, spicy gravy made from dried peas, then loaded with fresh toppings. It's a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Peas
- b.Wash the dried white peas thoroughly and soak them in ample water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- c.Drain the soaking water. Transfer the peas to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of fresh water, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.25 tsp of turmeric powder.
- d.Pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or until the peas are completely soft and mushy. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- e.Once the pressure has released naturally, open the lid. Use the back of a ladle to gently mash about one-third of the peas to help thicken the gravy naturally. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Masala Paste
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped tomato, ginger, garlic, green chilies, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods.
- c.Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent.
- d.Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely.
- e.Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender. Add 2-3 tbsp of water and grind to a very smooth paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Gravy
- b.In the same pan or a larger pot, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
- c.Add the ground masala paste and cook on medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste thickens and you see oil separating from the sides.
- d.Add the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Sauté for one minute until the spices are fragrant.
- e.Pour in the cooked peas along with their cooking liquid. Add the remaining 1 tsp of salt and about 1 cup of additional water. Stir everything together well.
- f.Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken to the desired consistency.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.To serve, take a plate and arrange 6-7 puris. Gently make a small hole in the top of each puri by tapping it with your thumb or a spoon.
- c.Ladle a generous amount of the hot masala gravy over the crushed puris, making sure they are well-soaked.
- d.Sprinkle a good amount of finely chopped raw onion and tomato over the gravy.
- e.Garnish with a handful of fine sev and freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- f.Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top.
- g.Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of the hot gravy with the crunchy puris and fresh toppings.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking peas overnight is crucial for a soft texture and faster cooking.
- 2For a thicker gravy, mash about one-third of the cooked peas with the back of a spoon.
- 3Always serve the masala gravy hot over the puris to get the authentic street-style experience.
- 4Assemble the chaat just before serving to ensure the puris retain some of their crunch.
- 5You can use store-bought pani puris to save time.
- 6Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add boiled and crumbled potatoes or crumbled paneer to the gravy for a heartier version.
Flavor TwistFlavor Twist
Drizzle some sweet tamarind chutney and spicy mint-coriander chutney on top for a classic chaat flavor profile.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Use baked puris instead of fried ones and be mindful of the amount of sev to reduce the overall fat content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
The dried white peas used as the base for the gravy are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
Peas and fresh vegetable toppings provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Source of Complex Carbohydrates
The peas offer complex carbohydrates that provide a slow and sustained release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer compared to simple carbs.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Masala Puri Chaat contains approximately 450-500 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the puris and the amount of oil and sev used.