Pani Puri, a beloved street food from the Indian subcontinent, is reimagined here as a refined, deconstructed delight that teases the palate with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Imagine the crispiness of the puri shells, now ingeniously replaced with delicate phyllo crisps, paired with the smoothness of avocado and the juicy burst of pomegranate pearls. This dish captures the essence of the traditional pani puri while presenting it in a contemporary and visually stunning way. Each bite is a dance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory notes, making it a memorable gastronomic adventure.

Ingredients

Serving Size

• Serves 4

From Your Pantry

• 1 cup phyllo dough sheets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Additional Grocery Items Needed

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup tamarind chutney
• 1/4 cup mint-cilantro chutney
• 1 cup pomegranate pearls
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush phyllo dough sheets with olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, chaat masala, and roasted cumin powder. Carefully cut into circles using a cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until golden and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Let them cool.
2. In a bowl, mash the avocados and mix with half the amount of tamarind chutney, mint-cilantro chutney, chopped red onion, jalapeno, and a pinch of salt to taste.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the chickpeas with a bit of chaat masala and roasted cumin powder.
4. To assemble, place a spoonful of the avocado mixture on a phyllo crisp. Add a few chickpeas and garnish with pomegranate pearls.
5. Drizzle with the remaining tamarind and mint-cilantro chutneys before serving.

Expert Tips

• For an extra crispy texture, ensure the phyllo dough is fully thawed but still cold before handling. Work quickly to prevent it from drying out.
• If pomegranate is not in season, consider using mango pearls or diced mango for a sweet and tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Complement this dish with a refreshing mint and cucumber cooler or a sweet lassi to balance the spicy and tangy flavors of the pani puri. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch, offering a delightful introduction to the flavors of Indian street food with a modern twist.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Allergens: Phyllo dough (Wheat/Gluten)

We encourage you to share this recipe with friends and family, and don't hesitate to get creative! Try adding your own twist with different fillings or sauces to make this dish uniquely yours. Cooking is a journey of discovery, and each variation opens up new flavors and experiences. Enjoy!