Puri Bhaji: A Classic Indian Breakfast Delight

Introduction

Namaste and welcome to my kitchen, where the aroma of spices and the sizzle of tadka (tempering) dance in harmony! Today, I'm excited to share with you a quintessential Indian breakfast dish that is both comforting and flavorful - Puri Bhaji. This delightful combination consists of golden, puffed puris served alongside a spicy and aromatic potato bhaji. Puri Bhaji is a beloved morning staple that is cherished by people of all ages and has a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. So, let's embark on a culinary journey and uncover the secrets of creating this delicious breakfast treat!

The Timeless Appeal of Puri Bhaji
Puri Bhaji has its roots in Indian culinary heritage, where it holds a cherished spot in traditional households and street food stalls alike. The soft and fluffy puris, deep-fried to perfection, offer a delightful contrast to the spiced and savory potato bhaji. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, making it a beloved breakfast option across the country. Whether you're preparing it for a festive occasion or simply to start your day on a delicious note, Puri Bhaji never fails to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before we embark on the culinary adventure of creating Puri Bhaji, ensure you have the following kitchen equipment at your disposal:Rolling pin (belan)
Deep frying pan or kadai
Slotted spoon
Potato masher (optional)
Large skillet or frying pan
Mixing bowls
Serving platter
Now that we're well-equipped, let's dive into the enticing world of Puri Bhaji!
The Recipe: How to Make Puri Bhaji

Ingredients:
For Puri:2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
A pinch of salt
Water (for kneading the dough)
Oil for deep frying
For Potato Bhaji:4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and peeled
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Directions:

Preparing the Puri Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth and firm dough. The dough should be non-sticky and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Shaping and Frying the Puris: After the resting period, divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a small circle of about 3-4 inches in diameter. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in the rolled puris, one at a time. Fry each puri until it puffs up and turns golden brown. Remove the puris using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
:Preparing the Potato Bhaji Start by mashing the boiled potatoes with a potato masher or by simply crumbling them with your hands. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add asafoetida (hing) and chopped green chilies.
Sautéing the Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn translucent.
Spicing it Up: Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pan. Mix the spices with the onions for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
The Star Ingredient: Now, add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix them thoroughly with the spiced onions. Season the bhaji with salt according to your taste. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the bhaji to become aromatic.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the potato bhaji to a serving dish and garnish it with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Arrange the hot and puffed puris on a separate platter and serve the Puri Bhaji while it's still warm.

Healthier Twist: Whole Wheat Puri and Low-oil Bhaji

For those looking to enjoy the classic flavors of Puri Bhaji with a healthier touch, we have a delightful twist - Whole Wheat Puri and Low-oil Bhaji. Follow these simple steps to create a healthier version of this beloved breakfast:
Ingredients:
For Whole Wheat Puri:2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
A pinch of salt
Water (for kneading the dough)
For Low-oil Bhaji:4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and peeled
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Directions:
Preparing the Whole Wheat Puri Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth and elastic dough. The whole wheat puri dough might be slightly stiffer than the regular puri dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Shaping and Cooking the Whole Wheat Puris: After the resting period, divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a small circle of about 3-4 inches in diameter. Heat a non-stick pan or tawa (griddle) over medium heat. Once the tawa is hot, place the rolled puri on it. Cook each puri for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they puff up and develop golden brown spots. No oil is required to cook the whole wheat puris.
Preparing the Low-oil Bhaji: Start by mashing the boiled potatoes with a potato masher or by simply crumbling them with your hands. In a skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add asafoetida (hing) and chopped green chilies.
Sautéing the Onions and Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn translucent. Now, add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and pulpy.
Spicing it Up: Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pan. Mix the spices with the onion-tomato base for about a minute to enhance their flavors.
The Star Ingredient: Now, add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix them thoroughly with the spiced onion-tomato mixture. Season the bhaji with salt according to your taste. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the bhaji to become aromatic.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the low-oil potato bhaji to a serving dish and garnish it with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Arrange the hot and wholesome whole wheat puris on a separate platter and serve the Puri Bhaji while it's still warm.

Tips and Variations

Making Soft Puris: To ensure the puris stay soft and puffed for a longer time, roll them slightly thicker and maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying. Avoid overcooking the puris, as they may become hard instead of soft.
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the potato bhaji for additional texture and nutrition.
Adjusting Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to suit your spice tolerance. You can also serve the bhaji with a side of cooling cucumber raita to balance the spiciness.
Resting the Whole Wheat Puri Dough: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for soft and pliable whole wheat puris. This step helps the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll and cook the puris.
Low-oil Cooking: To further reduce the oil content in the bhaji, you can cook the onions and tomatoes with a splash of water instead of oil. This way, you can enjoy a healthier yet equally delicious potato bhaji.
Adding Green Peas: For a delightful burst of sweetness and texture, add a handful of green peas to the low-oil potato bhaji while sautéing the onions and tomatoes.

FAQ

4. Can I use all-purpose flour for making puris?

While traditionally whole wheat flour (atta) is used to make puris, you can use all-purpose flour if you prefer. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour is a healthier option.
5. Can I make the puri dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the puri dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before rolling and frying the puris.
6. Can I make the potato bhaji spicy?
If you're a fan of extra heat, feel free to add more red chili powder or chopped green chilies to the potato bhaji. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
7. Can I make the whole wheat puris ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whole wheat puris ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. To keep them soft and fresh, place a tissue paper or cloth between each puri to prevent sticking.
8. Can I add other vegetables to the low-oil bhaji?
Absolutely! You can add various vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower to the low-oil potato bhaji to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
9. Can I use frozen boiled potatoes for the bhaji?
Yes, you can use frozen boiled potatoes if you're short on time. Just thaw the potatoes before mashing and proceed with the recipe.

Perfect Pairings -

Masala Chai: Puri Bhaji is perfectly complemented by a steaming cup of masala chai. The warm and aromatic spices of the chai harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the bhaji and puri.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh and colorful fruit salad can add a refreshing touch to your Puri Bhaji breakfast spread, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Mango Pickle: Puri Bhaji pairs wonderfully with tangy and spicy mango pickle. The pickle adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the simplicity of the dish.
Yogurt Raita: A cooling and creamy yogurt raita with cucumber and mint can serve as a refreshing accompaniment to the whole wheat puris and low-oil bhaji.
Chai Time: Puri Bhaji is a perfect companion to your evening tea or masala chai. The delightful combination of flavors will elevate your tea time to a whole new level.
Srikhand: For a touch of indulgence, serve the whole wheat puris with a dollop of creamy and sweet Srikhand - a delectable yogurt-based dessert.

In Conclusion

Congratulations! You've now mastered the art of creating the classic Indian breakfast delight - Puri Bhaji. This combination of soft puris and spicy potato bhaji is a true celebration of flavors that has withstood the test of time.
Share the joy of Puri Bhaji with your loved ones, and experience the magic of Indian breakfast at its finest. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more exciting recipes and culinary adventures. Until next time, happy cooking, and may your mornings be filled with the warmth of Puri Bhaji!