• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Living Smart And Healthy
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
    • Recipe Index
    • Indian
    • Cooking Basics
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Soup
    • Entrees
    • Side Dish
    • Desserts
    • Gluten Free
    • Low-carb
    • Vegan
  • SHOP
  • RESOURCES
    • Pantry Essentials
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Holiday Gift Guide
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Indian
  • Instant Pot
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Indian
    • Instant Pot
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home >> Recipes >> Appetizers

    Pani For Pani Puri

    Published: May 27, 2020 · Modified: Sep 3, 2022 by Jyoti Behrani · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    227 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Sharing 3 different flavors of pani for pani puri from traditional mint-cilantro, to more trendy strawberry and pineapple ones. Enjoy this popular street food at home with my healthier, guilt-free homemade Air Fry Pani Puri 

    Spicy, sweet, and tangy, pani puri is popular street food, served all over India. A round, ball-shaped, hollow puri, is filled with spicy, flavorful potato and black chickpeas mixture, filled with flavor bursting, lip-smacking, spicy, tangy mint-cilantro pani (water).

     

     

    PANI FOR PANI PURI 

    Popular street food from India, Pani puri. I remember growing up as a kid, I was so crazy about this pani puri. I could eat pani puri for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh ya...and still crave for more...LOL!!!

    Things change as you grow older, I still absolutely love these, but the fact the puri are deep-fried, it happens like a once-a-year treat. Thanks to the technology. Ever since I started making homemade Air Fry Pani Puri  we can't stop eating these healthier, guilt-free Pani puri. They taste heavenly, and the fact these puris are not deep fried, I could eat this puri whole day. I make these air fry pani puri quite often and my whole family devours it.

    Pani puri mainly consists of three steps, making puri, making pani and masala for pani puri, and finally assembling the pani puri. You can make puri at home or use store-bought ones.

    I make puri at home. I use an air fryer to air fry these puris. Thus, making it healthier than the deep-fried ones. I like to include fresh ingredients and fruits into our diet. Mint-cilantro pani is my favorite and a must whenever we make Pani puri. Along with this traditional mint-cilantro, I also like to serve some fresh Strawberry pani and tropical pineapple pani.

    Pani is made using fresh ingredients, some ginger, green chili, roasted cumin powder, pink Himalayan salt, lemon, or tamarind juice.

    PANI FOR PANI PURI (CONTINUED)

    For the masala, I use boiled potatoes, Kala chana, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, pink Himalayan salt, fresh cilantro, and salt to taste. Mix everything and the filling or masala is ready for the puri.

    Occasionally, I also used mung bean sprouts, or ragda (white peas) curry instead of potato-Kala chana filling. Check out how I sprout mung beans at home - How To Grow Sprouts - Lentils And Beans

    When in the season I prefer fresh fruits and use them to make pani or chutneys for my chaat recipes. I also do keep this sweet and tangy, Tamarind Chutney, in case we can't find fresh berries or pineapple to go with our pani puri.

    Making Pani puri is such a fun activity to do with your kids. I just keep everything in separate bowls, and let my kids make their pani puri. They can make the puri according to their taste, and add more or less filling or pani.

    My daughter is crazy about strawberry pani and my son devoured pineapple one. My hubby loves spicy food, so this mint-cilantro is just perfect for him. I love this time with my family when we all have something to share and enjoy together as a family. So blessed!!

    Pic Shown: Mint-cilantro pani, strawberry pani, pineapple pani

     

     

    INGREDIENTS FOR MINT CILANTRO PANI 

    1 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves + stem roughly chopped ( around 1 cup firmly packed )

    ½ cup fresh mint leaves, firmly packed

    2-3 green chili, adjust to taste

    ½ inch ginger

    2-3 lemons, adjust to taste

    ½ teaspoon roasted ground cumin

    ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

    4 cups water

    4 tablespoon boondi (optional)

    salt to taste

     

     

     

    MINT CILANTRO PANI PURI

    Mint Cilantro Pani is quite refreshing, minty flavored with the burst of freshness from the mint. This is the traditional pani ( flavored water ) served with pani puri. Here's how I make this mint cilantro pani. 

    In a blender jar, add cilantro ( leaves + stems ) roughly chopped, mint, ginger, roasted cumin seeds, pink Himalayan salt, lemon juice from one lemon, and just enough water to grind it to a fine paste. 

    Note: Lemon juice helps prevent the mint leaves from turning dark while grinding.

    Transfer mint-cilantro paste into a large serving bowl, add remaining water, and mix well. Adjust the seasoning as per taste. Add more salt or lemon juice as required. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Just before serving add the boondi, mix and serve. Enjoy this minty, fresh mint-cilantro pani with some homemade Air Fry Pani Puri 

    Note: Boondi turns soft once added to the pani. If you prefer soft boondi then add it at the time of refrigeration. For crunchy boondi add it just before serving.

     

     

    Pic Shown: Mint-cilantro pani for pani puri

     

     

    INGREDIENTS FOR STRAWBERRY PANI 

    1 cup fresh strawberry, hulled and quartered

    10-12 fresh mint leaves

    ⅛ inch ginger

    1-2 lemons, adjust to taste

    ¼ teaspoon roasted ground cumin

    ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

    ½  teaspoon Chia seeds

    1 cup water

    Honey or preferred sweeter, adjust to taste (optional)

    salt to taste

    STRAWBERRY PANI PURI 

    Strawberry pani is quite refreshing, fruity flavored with the burst of freshness from the strawberries. Here's how I make Strawberry pani.

    Wash and hull the strawberries. Cut the strawberries into quarters.

    In a blender jar, add strawberries, mint, ginger, roasted cumin seeds, pink Himalayan salt, lemon juice from one lemon, and just enough water to grind it to a fine puree. 

    Remove the strawberry puree into the serving bowl, add the remaining water, and adjust the seasoning as per taste. Add more salt or lemon juice as required. Add some chia seeds, and mix well. Enjoy this sweet and tangy, fresh strawberry pani with some homemade Air Fry Pani Puri

    Note: You can adjust the consistency of this strawberry pani by adding more water as per taste.

     

     

    Pic Shown: Strawberry Pani Puri

     

     

    INGREDIENTS FOR PINEAPPLE PANI

    1 fresh pineapple

    10-12 fresh mint leaves

    ¼ inch ginger

    1-2 lemons, adjust to taste

    ½ teaspoon roasted ground cumin

    ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

    water, as needed

    Honey or preferred sweeter, adjust to taste (optional)

    salt to taste

    PINEAPPLE PANI PURI 

    Fresh, citrusy, full of tropical vibrant flavors. Pineapple Pani is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in just one bite. Here's how I make pineapple pani.

    Using a sharp kitchen knife, peel the outer peel of the pineapple. Slice the pineapple into quarters, and cut the core. Cut the pineapple into chunks. I use this Juicer to make fresh pineapple juice. 

    To make fresh pineapple juice, add the pineapple chunks, along with a piece of ginger and a few mint leaves.

    In a bowl, add fresh pineapple juice, roasted cumin powder, pink Himalayan salt, and lemon juice to taste, and adjust the seasoning as per taste. Add more salt or lemon juice as required. Enjoy this sweet and tangy, fresh pineapple pani with some homemade Air Fry Pani Puri

    Note: You can adjust the consistency of this pineapple pani by adding water as per taste.

     

     

    Pic Shown: Pineapple Pani Puri

     

     

    INGREDIENTS FOR PANI PURI MASALA

    3 medium boiled, peeled, and mashed potatoes, around 2 cups

    ½ cup boiled kala chana ( black chickpeas )

    ½ teaspoon red chili powder

    ½ teaspoon roasted ground cumin

    ½ teaspoon amchur powder or chaat masala

    ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

    A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

    salt to taste

    MASALA FOR PANI PURI

    In a bowl, add mashed potato, kala chana, red chili powder, roasted cumin seeds powder, amchur powder, pink salt, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.

    Note: To cook Kala chana, I use this recipe How To Cook Chickpeas

    Mix everything with a spoon. Masala for pani puri is ready.

    Pic Shown: Air Fry Pani Puri, mint-cilantro pani, strawberry pani, pineapple pani, masala for Pani puri

     

     

    HOW TO ASSEMBLE PANI PURI

    Take one puri, and with your thumb or index finger, make a hole in the middle of the puri.

    Take some masala, and stuff the puri with it.

    Note: Stuffing can be added as per taste, more or less.

    The puri is ready to be devoured with the pani. Enjoy with your choice of pani, mint-cilantro, strawberry, or pineapple pani.

    Pic Shown: Mint-cilantro pani puri, Strawberry pani puri, Pineapple pani puri

     

     

    PRO TIPS FOR BEST PANI PURI

    You can use Air Fry Pani Puri or store-bought ones. We love our homemade air fry Pani puri, they taste amazing and are way more healthier than the deep fried store-bought ones.

    The flavors of this dish, depend a lot on how flavorful the pani is. Use fresh ingredients, fresh mint, cilantro, strawberries, and pineapple, for the best results.

    Refrigerate the pani for a minimum of an hour, this allows all the flavors to blend in well, and also pani puri tastes amazing with cold pani.

    Assemble the puri only when you are ready to serve, otherwise, the puri turns soggy.

     

     

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    DO I NEED TO REFRIGERATE THE PANI

    No, you can use the pani for pani puri at room temperature. But, it tastes better when it is cold.

    Alternatively, you can use some ice-cold water to grind, while making the pani and serve it right away.

    CAN I STORE PANI

    Pani for pani puri tastes best fresh. You can refrigerate it for a day. The mint-cilantro pani turns a little dark the next day. For strawberry pani, it is best if consumed the same day.

    Alternatively, you can also freeze the mint-cilantro paste, for up to 3 months. I use an ice tray to freeze the paste into ice cubes. Once frozen, I store the paste ice cubes in a Ziploc bag. At the time of serving, I just add a few paste ice cubes to the water, let it defrost, and serve with some pani puri. The same can be done with strawberry and pineapple pani.

    CAN I USE CHICKPEAS

    Yes, you can use chickpeas instead of Kala chana works fine. I also serve it sometimes with mung bean sprouts or ragda (white peas).

    HOW DOES MINT-CILANTRO PANI TASTE

    Refreshingly minty, a burst of tanginess from the lemons and vibrant color and flavor from the cilantro. Use fresh mint and cilantro for the best results.

    HOW DOES STRAWBERRY PANI TASTE

    Medley of sweet, tangy, and salty. Adjust the taste as per liking. Depending upon how sweet the strawberries are you can add honey or your preferred sweetener. Also, add lemon juice as per taste.

    HOW DOES PINEAPPLE PANI TASTE

    A mix of tropical flavors, sweet, citrusy, and slightly salty. Ripe pineapple is sweet, and you may not need to add any sweetener, natural or artificial. Lemon juice helps balance a nice citrusy, tangy flavor.

    CAN I USE LIME JUICE

    Yes, you can use lime juice instead of lemon.

    Green raw mango or even tamarind pulp may be used to add the tangy flavor to the pani.

    CAN I USE CHAAT MASALA

    Yes, you can use chaat masala instead of amchur powder.

    TRIED THIS RECIPE?

    Hope you enjoy this pani puri!! If you give this recipe a try, please rate the recipe by clicking the stars ⭐️ on the recipe card. Leave a comment and share your experience. Thank you ❤️ 

    You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest on my blog!! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for easy and delicious video recipes. Happy Cooking!!

    RELATED POSTS

    Khasta Puri

    Mathura Ke Dubki Wale Aloo

    Chana Masala[Punjabi Chole | Chickpea Curry]

    Methi Thepla [Microgreens Fenugreek Flatbread]

    Makhani Moong Dal  [Split Petite Yellow Lentils]

     

    PANI PURI / GOL GAPPE / PUCKHA / PANI KE BATASHE

    Jyoti Behrani
    Spicy, sweet, and tangy, Pani puri is a popular street food, served all over India. A round, ball-shaped, hollow puri, is filled with spicy, flavorful potato and black chickpeas mixture, filled with flavor bursting, lip-smacking, spicy, tangy mint-cilantro pani (water).
    Sharing 3 different flavors of pani (water) from traditional mint-cilantro, to more trendy strawberry and pineapple ones. Enjoy this popular street food at home with my healthier, guilt-free HOMEMADE AIR FRY PANI PURI This recipe is VEGAN
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 24-30 puri, HOMEMADE AIR FRY PANI PURI or store bought

    INGREDIENTS FOR MINT CILANTRO PANI PURI

    • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves + stem roughly chopped ( around 1 cup firmly packed )
    • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, firmly packed
    • 2-3 green chili, adjust to taste
    • ½ inch ginger
    • 2-3 lemons, adjust to taste
    • ½ teaspoon ROASTED GROUND CUMIN
    • ½ teaspoon PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
    • 4 cups water
    • 4 tablespoon BOONDI (optional)
    • salt to taste

    INGREDIENTS FOR STRAWBERRY PANI PURI

    • 1 cup fresh strawberry, hulled and quartered
    • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
    • ⅛ inch ginger
    • 1-2 lemon, adjust to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon ROASTED GROUND CUMIN
    • ½ teaspoon PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
    • ½ teaspoon CHIA SEEDS
    • 1 cup water
    • HONEY  or sweeter preferred, adjust to taste
    • salt to taste

    INGREDIENTS FOR PINEAPPLE PANI PURI

    • 1 fresh pineapple
    • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
    • ¼ inch ginger
    • 1-2 lemons, adjust to taste
    • ½ teaspoon ROASTED GROUND CUMIN
    • ½ teaspoon PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
    • water, as needed
    • HONEY or sweeter preferred, adjust to taste
    • salt to taste

    INGREDIENTS FOR PANI PURI MASALA

    • 3 medium boiled, peeled and mashed potatoes, around 2 cups
    • ½ cup boiled KALA CHANA ( black chickpeas )
    • ½ teaspoon RED CHILI POWDER
    • ½ teaspoon ROASTED GROUND CUMIN
    • ½ teaspoon AMCHUR POWDER / chaat masala
    • ½ teaspoon PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
    • Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
    • salt to taste

    Instructions
     

    MINT CILANTRO PANI PURI

    • You will need BLENDER
    • In a blender jar, add cilantro ( leaves + stems ) roughly chopped, mint, ginger, roasted cumin seeds, pink Himalayan salt, lemon juice from one lemon, and just enough water to grind it to a fine paste.
      Note: Lemon juice helps prevent the mint leaves from turning dark while grinding.
    • Transfer mint-cilantro paste into a large serving bowl, add remaining water, mix well. Adjust the seasoning as per taste. Add more salt or lemon juice as required. Refrigerate for atleast an hour before serving. Just before serving add the boondi, mix and serve. Enjoy this minty, fresh mint-cilantro pani with some  HOMEMADE AIR FRY PANI PURI 
      Note: Boondi turns soft once added to the pani. If you prefer soft boondi then add it at the time of refrigeration. For crunchy boondi add it just before serving.

    STRAWBERRY PANI PURI

    • Wash and hull the strawberries. Cut the strawberries into quarter.
    • In a blender jar, add strawberries, mint, ginger, roasted cumin seeds, pink Himalayan salt, lemon juice from one lemon, and just enough water to grind it to a fine puree.
    • Remove the strawberry puree into the serving bowl, add remaining water, adjust the seasoning as per taste. Add more salt or lemon juice as required. Add some chia seeds, mix well. Enjoy this sweet and tangy, fresh strawberry pani with some HOMEMADE AIR FRY PANI PURI 
      Note: You can adjust the consistency of this strawberry pani by adding more water as per taste.

    PINEAPPLE PANI PURI

    • You will need JUICER
    • Using a sharp kitchen knife, peel the outer peel of the pineapple. Slice the pineapple into quarters, and cut the core. Cut the pineapple into chunks.
    • To make fresh pineapple juice, add the pineapple chunks, along with a piece of ginger and few mint leaves.
    • In a bowl, add fresh pineapple juice, roasted cumin powder, pink Himalayan salt, lemon juice to taste, adjust the seasoning as per taste. Add more salt or lemon juice as required. Enjoy this sweet and tangy, fresh pineapple pani with some HOMEMADE AIR FRY PANI PURI 
      Note: You can adjust the consistency of this pineapple pani by adding water as per taste.

    MASALA FOR PANI PURI

    • In a bowl, add mashed potato, kala chana, red chili powder, roasted cumin seeds powder, amchur powder, pink salt, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.
      Note: To cook kala chana, I use this recipe HOW TO COOK CHICKPEAS
    • Mix everything with a spoon. Masala for pani puri is ready.

    HOW TO ASSEMBLE PANI PURI

    • Take one puri, and with your thumb or index finger, make a hole in the middle of the puri.
    • Take some masala, and stuff the puri with it.
      Note: Stuffing can be added as per taste, more or less.
    • The puri is ready to be devoured with the pani. Enjoy with your choice of pani, mint-cilantro, strawberry or pineapple pani.

    Notes

    Here's recipe for  HOMEMADE AIR FRY PANI PURI 
    Please refer to the post for the following:
    1. PRO TIPS FOR BEST PANI PURI
    2. FAQ ABOUT PANI PURI

    Disclaimer

    Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
    Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Check out Living Smart And Healthy!

    KEYWORD

    pani puri,gol gappe,gol gappa,puchka,pani ke batashe, air fry pani puri, air fry gol gappe,healthy pani puri

    More Appetizers Recipes

    • How To Make Paneer At Home | Homemade Paneer Recipe
    • air fry chicken tenders
      The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Perfection!
    • salsas verdes
      The Best Salsa Verde Recipe: Mexican Tomatillos Salsa
    • mango salsa recipe
      Easy Mango Salsa Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jyoti!

    Glad to meet you! Here you will find a variety of recipes ranging from quick and easy weeknight dinners to more complex dishes for special occasions. I love using fresh, seasonal ingredients and incorporating different cultural influences into my cooking.

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Easy Homemade Hot Sauce Recipe Without Fermenting
    • Best Indian Winter Recipes
    • Sindhi Moong Dal Tadka | Wholesome and Nutritious
    • Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

    Footer

    As Featured In


    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Author
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us

    Recipes

    • Indian Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Gluten Free Recipes
    • Low Carb Recipes
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Web Stories

    Resources

    • Shop
    • Pantry Essentials
    • Holiday Gift Guide
    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Living Smart and Healthy