How to Make Dahi Puri at Home: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

How to Make Dahi Puri at Home

Dahi Puri is a popular Indian street food that bursts with a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This beloved chaat is made with crispy puris (hollow, crispy wheat shells), filled with spicy mashed potatoes, tangy chutneys, cooling yogurt, and a sprinkle of savory spices. While it's often enjoyed at food stalls, making Dahi Puri at home is easy and rewarding. In this guide, you'll learn how to prepare an easy Dahi Puri recipe that's perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients for Dahi Puri

Before diving into the step-by-step process, gather these essential ingredients:

For the Puri:

• Puris (store-bought or homemade) – 20-25 pieces
• Boiled potatoes – 2 medium-sized, mashed
• Boiled chickpeas – 1 cup
• Yogurt (dahi) – 1 cup, beaten until smooth
• Tamarind chutney – 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
• Green chutney – 1/2 cup (mint-coriander chutney)
• Sev (crispy chickpea noodles) – 1/2 cup
• Onions – 1 small, finely chopped
• Chaat masala – 1/2 tsp
• Roasted cumin powder – 1/2 tsp
• Red chili powder – 1/4 tsp (optional)
• Salt – to taste
• Coriander leaves – for garnish, chopped

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Dahi Puri

1. Prepare the Puris

You can buy puris from any Indian grocery store, but if you prefer homemade ones, you can deep-fry small portions of dough (made from semolina and water) until crispy and golden. Allow them to cool completely before using.

2. Make the Potato and Chickpea Filling

In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes and season them with a pinch of salt, roasted cumin powder, and chaat masala. You can also add a few drops of green chutney to enhance the flavor. Separately, boil and slightly mash the chickpeas with a bit of salt.

3. Prepare the Yogurt

Whisk the yogurt until it's smooth and lump-free. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar (optional) for a mildly sweet taste. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

4. Set Up the Chutneys

If using store-bought tamarind and green chutneys, make sure they are at room temperature. If you prefer homemade, here's a quick guide for each:

• Tamarind Chutney: Soak tamarind pulp in hot water, strain, and cook with jaggery (or sugar), red chili powder, cumin, and salt until thick.
• Green Chutney: Blend fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

5. Assemble the Dahi Puri

Once all your ingredients are ready, it’s time to assemble this flavorful snack:

• Gently crack open the top of each puri to create a small hole.
• Fill each puri with a spoonful of the potato mixture and a few chickpeas.
• Add a small dollop of green chutney and tamarind chutney to each puri.
• Generously spoon yogurt over the filled puris, allowing the yogurt to slightly overflow for a creamy texture.

6. Add Toppings

Now, sprinkle finely chopped onions over the puris, followed by a generous handful of sev. Finally, garnish with coriander leaves and sprinkle chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder for that spicy kick.

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Tips for the Perfect Dahi Puri

• Chill the yogurt: Cold yogurt makes the Dahi Puri refreshing, especially in warmer weather.
• Use fresh puris: Crispiness is key, so make sure the puris are fresh. If they lose their crunch, heat them in the oven for a few minutes.
• Balance flavors: Dahi Puri is all about a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Adjust the amount of chutneys and spices to your preference.
• Serve immediately: Once assembled, serve the Dahi Puri immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy and soft textures.

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Variations to Try

If you want to get creative with your Dahi Puri, here are some fun variations you can try:

• Fruit Dahi Puri: Add small cubes of fruits like pomegranate seeds, apples, or grapes along with the traditional fillings for a burst of freshness.
• Dahi Puri with Sprouts: Replace the boiled chickpeas with sprouted moong beans or mixed sprouts for a healthier version.
• Spicy Dahi Puri: Increase the heat by adding finely chopped green chilies or more red chili powder.

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Making Dahi Puri Healthier

While Dahi Puri is a delightful indulgence, you can tweak it to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor:

• Use low-fat yogurt to reduce calorie intake.
• Bake the puris instead of deep-frying them for a lower-fat version.
• Opt for sweet potatoes or boiled carrots in place of regular potatoes for added nutrients.
• Skip the sev or use baked sev for a lighter version.

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Conclusion

Dahi Puri is a crowd-pleasing dish that can be whipped up easily with a few simple ingredients. The tangy yogurt, spicy chutneys, crispy puris, and flavorful toppings create a burst of taste in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a snack for a party or enjoying it as a light meal, this Dahi Puri recipe is sure to impress your guests and family alike. Best of all, it's versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade Dahi Puri!