How to Prepare Pani Puri Masala: A Spicy and Flavorful Secret Ingredient
Pani puri is a popular Indian snack that is known for its unique combination of crispy puris, tangy water, and a flavorful masala. The masala is the heart of this dish, providing a burst of spices and flavors that elevate the snack to a whole new level. If you’re looking to prepare pani puri masala at home, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that perfect blend of spices.
Ingredients:
To prepare pani puri masala, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
– 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
– 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
– 1 tablespoon urad dal
– 1 tablespoon chana dal
– 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
– 1 tablespoon asafoetida
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon amchur powder (dried mango powder)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1 tablespoon garlic paste
– Fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
– Water
Instructions:
1. In a dry pan, roast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and black peppercorns on a low flame until they start to release their aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Once the spices are roasted, grind them to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground spices with turmeric powder, red chili powder, amchur powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
4. In another bowl, mix tamarind paste, lemon juice, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Stir well to form a smooth paste.
5. Add the tamarind paste mixture to the ground spices and mix well. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or chili powder if needed.
6. Add water to the mixture, stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency. The masala should be thick but still pourable.
7. Add fresh mint leaves and coriander leaves to the masala, stirring well to combine.
8. Transfer the pani puri masala to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Now you have your homemade pani puri masala ready to be enjoyed with crispy puris and your favorite fillings. This masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring you have a flavorful snack at any time. Happy snacking!
