If you have ever wandered the bustling streets of Bangalore and craved a snack that bursts with tang, crunch, and the perfect spice blend, then this Banglore Street Style Masala Puri Chaat Recipe is your golden ticket. Combining crispy puris with a richly spiced mashed pea and potato gravy, fresh chopped veggies, tangy chutneys, and a sprinkle of sev, this dish brings every flavor and texture you love in one vibrant plate. It’s street food magic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and I’m so excited to take you through every delicious step of this iconic Bangalore treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy mashed peas that create the heart of the masala gravy, to the crunchy puris that provide the perfect vessel for all these wonderful flavors. They’re simple pantry staples, yet combined thoughtfully, they make this chaat sing with color, spice, and brightness.
- Dried white peas (1 cup): Soaked overnight and pressure-cooked for a soft, creamy base in the masala gravy.
- Potatoes (2, boiled): Adds smoothness and body to the gravy while balancing spices perfectly.
- Oil (2 tablespoons): For tempering spices and sautéing the masala base.
- Cumin seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm earthy note and aroma at the start of cooking.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Gives sweetness and texture to the gravy.
- Garlic cloves (4-5): Infuses a fragrant depth to the masala gravy.
- Ginger (1 inch piece): Adds a subtle zing to the spice blend.
- Green chilies (2): For the perfect kick of heat, adjust to your taste.
- Mint leaves (½ cup): Brings a refreshing coolness inside the gravy.
- Cilantro stalks (¾ cup): Intensifies the herbaceous flavor in the base.
- Tomatoes (2 small, chopped): Adds a lightly tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Coriander powder (½ teaspoon): A warm, citrusy undertone in the masala.
- Cumin powder (½ teaspoon): Reinforces the nutty cumin flavor throughout.
- Turmeric powder (½ teaspoon): Offers a beautiful golden hue and mild earthy notes.
- Red chili powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the red-hot punch in this street-style delicacy.
- Garam masala (1 teaspoon): Perfect finish with a blend of fragrant spices.
- Black salt (½ teaspoon): Adds a distinctive tangy twist crucial in chaat recipes.
- Amchur dry mango powder (1 teaspoon): Gives that subtle sourness that tantalizes taste buds.
- Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all the layered flavors.
- Water (2-3 cups): To adjust the perfect gravy consistency.
- Fresh coriander leaves (a handful, chopped): For fresh garnishes that brighten the dish.
- Puri (crispy flat puris): The iconic crunchy base borrowed from pani puri or sev puri.
- Onions (½ cup, finely chopped): Adds crunch and sharpness to the final chaat.
- Tomatoes (½ cup, finely chopped): Freshness that balances the masala flavors.
- Carrots (¼ cup, grated): Adds a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Nylon sev (½ cup): Adds that irresistible crunchy topping.
- Cilantro leaves (2 tablespoons, chopped): Fresh herbal bursts to finish off each bite.
- Tamarind chutney: Sweet and tangy layer essential for that authentic street food flavor.
- Green chutney: A spicy, refreshing sidekick that enlivens the chaat.
- Lemon wedges (optional): For an optional zesty squeeze just before eating.
How to Make Banglore Street Style Masala Puri Chaat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Masala Gravy
Start by soaking dried white peas overnight to soften them, then pressure cook until tender and creamy. In a pan, heat oil, and add cumin seeds until fragrant. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, then grind together garlic, ginger, green chilies, mint leaves, and cilantro stalks into a fine paste. Add this paste to the pan with onions, and cook until the raw smell disappears. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, red chili powder, garam masala, black salt, and amchur powder, cooking until the oil separates from the masala. Mash the boiled potatoes and add them along with the cooked peas, blending everything smoothly with water to your desired consistency. Simmer this flavorful gravy gently for 5-7 minutes to marry all those beautiful spices.
Step 2: Assemble the Chaat
Arrange the crispy puris on a large platter or individual plates. Spoon a generous amount of the warm masala gravy over each puri—don’t hold back on the sauciness here! Top with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and grated carrot for freshness and crunch. Drizzle tamarind chutney and green chutney generously to layer sweet, tangy, and spicy notes across your chaat. Sprinkle a handful of nylon sev for that iconic street-style crunch, and finish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves to brighten the dish further.
Step 3: Final Touches
If you like, squeeze a little lemon juice just before serving to add a zesty punch that lifts all the combined flavors. Serve immediately so the puris stay crisp and the textures remain distinct—this is the magic of authentic Bangalore street food in your own kitchen!
How to Serve Banglore Street Style Masala Puri Chaat Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh coriander leaves scattered on top not only add vibrant color but inject bursts of herbal brightness with every bite. Nylon sev is the must-have crunchy topper that contrasts beautifully with soft veggies and gravy. A sprinkle of chaat masala or a dash of black salt enhances the tang and rounds out the flavor balance perfectly.
Side Dishes
This chaat shines best on its own, but pairing it with a chilled glass of sweet lassi or masala chai harmonizes beautifully, complementing the spice and tang in the puri. If you’re really going all out, a small bowl of cucumber raita on the side can offer cooling relief from the spice and add variety to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, create individual layered glasses of the chaat, alternating puri pieces, masala gravy, veggies, chutneys, and sev for a stunning visual and textural delight. Alternatively, serve in small leaf plates or bowls to echo the authentic Bangalore street experience right at your home table, making the chaat feel festive and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The masala gravy keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the puris separately in a dry place to maintain their crunch, as they will get soggy if combined and stored together.
Freezing
While the masala gravy can be frozen for up to a month, it’s best to avoid freezing assembled chaat as the puris and sev lose their crispness. Freeze the gravy in smaller portions for convenient future use.
Reheating
Warm the masala gravy gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if it has thickened. Avoid overheating as it may alter the fresh flavors. Assemble the chaat fresh to enjoy the perfect texture contrasts that this Banglore Street Style Masala Puri Chaat Recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use canned peas instead of dried white peas?
You can substitute canned peas for convenience, though dried white peas provide a creamier texture and more authentic taste. If using canned peas, rinse well and slightly mash them before adding to the gravy.
What can I use instead of puris if I can’t find them?
If puris are unavailable, small crisp papdis or even mini toasted pita rounds can work as a base, but the puri’s unique crunch and thinness are key to the traditional flavor and texture.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This chaat has a balance of spice and tang, but you can easily adjust the green chilies and red chili powder amounts to suit your heat preference without losing the essence of the dish.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it relies on plant-based ingredients like peas, potatoes, herbs, and spices without any dairy or animal products.
How soon should I serve after assembling?
Serve immediately after assembling to keep the puris crisp and sev crunchy—waiting too long causes sogginess and diminishes the delightful contrast in textures that makes this Banglore Street Style Masala Puri Chaat Recipe so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of recreating a favorite street food at home, and this Banglore Street Style Masala Puri Chaat Recipe is a celebration of all that the city’s snack culture offers. With its harmony of textures, layers of bold flavors, and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that invites smiles, sharing, and instant cravings for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience a little slice of Bangalore’s magic anytime you want!
PrintBanglore Street Style Masala Puri Chaat Recipe
Masala Puri Chaat is a flavorful and tangy street-style snack from Bangalore, featuring crispy puris topped with a spicy white pea and potato gravy, fresh vegetables, chutneys, and sev, making it a perfect savory treat bursting with textures and layers of taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes soaking overnight separately)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (excluding soaking time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Masala Gravy
- 1 cup Dried White Peas, soaked overnight and pressure-cooked
- 2 Potatoes, boiled
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 Large Onion, chopped
- 4–5 Garlic Cloves
- 1 inch piece of Ginger
- 2 Green Chilies
- ½ cup Mint Leaves
- ¾ cup Cilantro Stalks
- 2 Small Tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin Powder
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Black Salt
- 1 teaspoon Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 2–3 cups Water (adjust consistency as needed)
- A handful of fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Chaat Assembly
- Puri, crispy flat puris typically used for pani puri or sev puri
- ½ cup Onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup Tomatoes, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Carrots, grated
- ½ cup Nylon Sev
- 2 Tablespoons Cilantro Leaves, chopped
- Tamarind Chutney (sweet and tangy)
- Green Chutney (spicy)
- Lemon Wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the White Peas: Soak the dried white peas overnight. Drain and pressure-cook them until soft and tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes under pressure. This forms the base for the masala gravy.
- Make the Masala Paste: In a blender, combine garlic cloves, ginger, green chilies, mint leaves, and cilantro stalks to form a smooth paste by adding a little water if needed. This paste adds fresh herbal flavor to the dish.
- Sauté the Base: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown to build a rich flavor base.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy. Then add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and black salt. Cook the masala until oil starts to separate, enhancing the spiced aroma.
- Add Masala Paste and Potatoes: Stir in the blended masala paste and diced boiled potatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine Peas and Water: Add the cooked white peas to the pan. Pour in 2-3 cups of water to adjust the consistency to a slightly thick gravy. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and amchur powder for sourness. Adjust spices to taste.
- Garnish the Masala Gravy: Once ready, turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves for freshness.
- Assemble the Chaat: Arrange the crispy puris on a serving plate. Spoon the warm masala gravy over the puris. Top with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, grated carrots, nylon sev, and chopped cilantro leaves.
- Add Chutneys and Lemon: Drizzle tamarind chutney and green chutney over the assembled chaat according to taste preferences. Squeeze lemon wedges on top if desired for extra tang.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Masala Puri Chaat immediately to enjoy the perfect crunch of puris with the spicy, tangy, and fresh toppings.
Notes
- Soaking and pressure-cooking the white peas well is essential for creamy gravy texture.
- You can adjust the consistency of the masala gravy by adding more or less water.
- Use fresh and crispy puris to maintain texture and avoid sogginess.
- Adjust spice levels including green chilies and red chili powder according to your heat preference.
- Fresh chutneys add a crucial layer of flavor, so use good quality or homemade tamarind and green chutneys.
- Serve the chaat immediately after assembling to keep the puris crispy.