Haldiram’s Chai Puri is a popular crispy snack that pairs perfectly with tea, often enjoyed as part of Indian tea-time snacks. It is a savory, bite-sized puri, seasoned with spices, and has a crunchy texture.
If you’re interested in either understanding what Chai Puri is or learning how to make a similar version at home, here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour (atta) – 1 cup
Semolina (sooji) – 1/4 cup (for extra crunch)
Carom seeds (ajwain) – 1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds (jeera) – 1/2 tsp
Black pepper powder – 1/4 tsp
Red chili powder – 1/2 tsp (optional for spiciness)
Salt – to taste
Ghee or oil – 2 tbsp
Water – as needed (to knead the dough)
Oil – for deep frying
Steps to Make Chai Puri:
Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, add whole wheat flour, semolina, carom seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper powder, red chili powder, salt, and ghee (or oil). Mix well. Gradually add water to knead a firm dough, similar to the consistency of roti or poori dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Roll out the puris: Divide the dough into small equal portions and roll them into small balls. Roll out each ball into thin discs (puri-sized). You can use a cookie cutter to cut them into perfect round shapes if desired.
Fry the puris: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai. Once the oil is hot, fry the puris on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy. Fry a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cool and store: Remove the puris and drain the excess oil on paper towels. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Serving:
Chai Puri is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea (chai) or coffee. You can also serve it with chutneys or pickles for added flavor.
This homemade version will give you crispy and spiced puris that are very similar to Haldiram’s Chai Puri!