Peanuts and Peas Bhel Puri Recipe Delight

Introduction

Peanuts and Peas Bhel Puri is a vibrant and crunchy dish inspired by traditional bhel puri recipes. This refreshing snack combines the nuttiness of peanuts and the earthiness of black-eyed peas with an assortment of colorful vegetables and spices. The result is a delightful fusion that offers a medley of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

2 cups puffed rice (murmura) 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas, drained 1 small sweet potato, scrubbed and diced small 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 medium stalk celery, finely chopped 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 5 sprigs cilantro, chopped 3 sprigs parsley, chopped 2 small scallions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup toasted peanuts, lightly crushed 1 tablespoon peanut powder 1 cup crunchy chow mein noodles 1/4 cup grapeseed or canola oil 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Yield

Serves 4-6 This Peanuts and Peas Bhel Puri dish brings together various ingredients in a delightful way, making it a versatile snack or side that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re serving it at a party or simply as a quick lunch, it’s sure to impress with its unique blend of tastes and textures. Enjoy this exciting twist on a classic!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potato

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with a bit of oil and roast on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Prepare the Seasoned Oil

In a small pan, heat the grapeseed or canola oil over medium heat. Add the Creole seasoning, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir the spices into the oil and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Bhel Puri

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked black-eyed peas, roasted sweet potato, green bell pepper, celery, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, parsley, and scallions. Drizzle the seasoned oil over the mixture and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Add the puffed rice, toasted peanuts, peanut powder, and crunchy chow mein noodles to the bowl. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and toss everything together until well combined.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the puffed rice and noodles.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

For the best texture, serve bhel puri immediately after mixing. This prevents the puffed rice and noodles from getting soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. You can experiment with other legumes or vegetables if desired.

Storage Instructions

This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for prolonged storage. If you have leftovers, store the dry ingredients separately from the dressing and mix before serving.

Allergy Information

Ensure that the seasons used do not contain allergens if preparing for guests with food sensitivities.

Cook Techniques

Roasting Sweet Potato

Roasting sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness and creates a tender, caramelized texture. Toss diced sweet potatoes in oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven until they’re tender and lightly browned.

Preparing Seasoned Oil

Infusing oil with spices elevates the overall flavor of the dish. Heat oil in a small pan, then add spices such as Creole seasoning, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook briefly to release the spices’ aromas.

Assembling Bhel Puri

Combining the ingredients in the right order is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. Start with hearty ingredients like black-eyed peas and roasted sweet potato, then add fresh vegetables and herbs, followed by the crispy elements like puffed rice, peanuts, and chow mein noodles.

Tossing Ingredients

Gently yet thoroughly toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating with the seasoned oil and lemon juice. This step is crucial for flavor distribution and maintaining the crunchiness of ingredients like puffed rice and noodles.

Adjusting Seasoning

Taste the assembled dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. This may involve adding more salt, lemon juice, or spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of legume instead of black-eyed peas?

Yes, you can substitute black-eyed peas with other legumes such as chickpeas or kidney beans, which will also add protein and texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can ensure the dish is gluten-free by using gluten-free chow mein noodles or replacing them with another crunchy option like gluten-free crispy rice.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the spiciness, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced green chilies in the mix.

Can I prepare some ingredients in advance?

Yes, you can roast the sweet potato and prepare the seasoned oil ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

What can I use instead of peanuts?

If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer an alternative, try using toasted almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Conclusion

The Peanuts and Peas Bhel Puri is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines a variety of textures and flavors. The combination of puffed rice, black-eyed peas, roasted sweet potatoes, and crunchy noodles provides a satisfying snack or light meal, while the seasoned oil adds depth and warmth. This dish is not only nutritious but also easy to customize based on personal preferences, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chickpea and Avocado Bhel

Replace the black-eyed peas with chickpeas and add diced avocado for a creamy texture. Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of lime juice and chopped green chilies for heat.

Kachori Bhel

Incorporate the crunch of small kachoris (fried dough balls filled with spiced peas) into your bhel puri for an extra layer of taste. The kachoris add a rich and savory element to the dish.

Veggie Palak Bhel

Mix in finely chopped spinach or other leafy greens for added nutrients. You can also blend in some yogurt to create a tangy flavor that complements the spices.

Spicy Mixed Nut Bhel

Add a variety of mixed nuts such as cashews, almonds, and walnuts for an extra crunch. Toss them in the seasoning oil to enhance their flavor before mixing them into the bhel.

Fruit and Puffed Rice Salad

For a refreshing twist, use seasonal fruits like mango or pomegranate along with the puffed rice. This sweet and savory combination will create a delightful contrast in flavors.