Bangarapete Transparent Pani Puri

Bangalore street food

A Unique Karnataka Street Food Experience

Discover the magic of Bangarapete, a charming town in Karnataka's Kolar district, through this extraordinary transparent pani puri that will completely surprise your senses. What appears to be simple water transforms into an explosion of aromatic flavors the moment it touches your tongue. This distinctive recipe uses a cold-steeping technique that infuses water with crushed spices and aromatics, creating a crystal-clear yet intensely flavorful pani that sets it apart from traditional pani puri variations. The transparency is the secret weapon – it confuses your mind while delighting your palate with unexpected bursts of ginger, garlic, mint, and warming spices.

For the Transparent Pani (Flavored Water)

Ingredients:

• 3 large cloves garlic

• 2-inch piece fresh ginger

• 3 Thai green chilies

• 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp white peppercorns (or black pepper)

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• Small handful fresh cilantro

• Fresh lemon juice to taste

• Salt or black salt to taste

• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the spice paste: Crush garlic, ginger, green chilies, cinnamon, cumin seeds, peppercorns, and fennel seeds into a coarse paste (avoid making it too fine).

2. Add fresh herbs: Gently crush in the mint leaves and cilantro, maintaining some texture.

3. Cold-steep the flavors: Place the spice mixture in a muslin cloth or tea steeper and submerge in a large bowl with 2 cups of water. Refrigerate for 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.

4. Finish the pani: Remove the spice container and season the transparent liquid with fresh lemon juice and salt to taste.

   
   

For the Bangarapete Masala Puri

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion

• Handful fresh mint leaves

• Handful fresh cilantro

• 1 small potato, boiled

• 1/4 cup boiled green peas (divided)

• 1 tsp amchur powder (dry mango powder)

• 1/2 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

• Water as needed

For Assembly:

• Additional boiled peas

• Crispy puris

• Chopped onions

• Fresh cilantro

• Sev (crispy chickpea noodles)

• Roasted peanuts

Instructions:

1. Make the spice paste: Blend mint, cilantro, and half the boiled peas into a smooth paste.

2. Prepare the masala: Sauté the small onion until translucent. Add the herb-pea paste along with the boiled potato (mashed or chunked).

3. Season and simmer: Add garam masala, amchur powder, and salt. Pour in enough water to create a thick, saucy consistency. Bring to a rolling boil, then simmer for a few minutes until flavors meld.

   
   

To Serve:

Plate the warm masala alongside crispy puris. Top with additional boiled peas, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, sev, and roasted peanuts. Fill each puri with the filling mixture, pour in the transparent pani, and enjoy the magical flavor surprise that makes Bangarapete pani puri so special.

Serves 4-6 people as a snack

video recipe on instagram