Bhel Puri

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Bhelpuri at its very basic is Puffed rice and sev, a fried snack made from besan flour, form the base of the bhel. Bhel puri is made from finely cut tomatoes, onions and chillies added to the base. Other versions of the snack include potatoes in a spicy onion base. Chutneys may be added to give it a sweet or spicy flavour. Sev, a chickpea based topping is sprinkled and garnished with coriander leaves and lime. It is then served with toasted puris, (a deep fried wheat bread). The result is a sour/pungent/sweet tasting evening snack. Bhel puri is usually made with two different "chutneys" (Hindi for sauce) - one spicy chutney made of green chilli and the other sweet chutney made of dates or tamarind. Diced red onion, diced tomatoes, thin sev, cilantro leaves and peanuts are the other ingredients of the standard bhelpuri. Some add pomegranate seeds or diced raw mango for better taste. Bhel has become famous all over India and in many parts of the world for its simplicity in making it. It needs no cooking per se. And the ingredients are generally available everywhere. All over the country it is called Bombay Bhel for obvious reasons. Bollywood has done its fair share to promote its image. Some of the best bhel is available on the beaches of Bombay, namely Chowpatty and Juhu. Its also famous at eateries like Swati Snack House and Badshah Cold Drink House. Bhel outside Bombay never tastes the same. Taste is in the air and the water.