Bhel Recipe- Indian snack Salad with Puffed Rice, Sweet Potato and Tamarind Chutney
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
138 kcal
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Course
Snacks
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Cuisine
Indian, Vegan, gluten-free
Bhel Recipe- Indian snack Salad with Puffed Rice, Sweet Potato and Tamarind Chutney
Description
This Bhel recipe creates a flavorful and texturally diverse Indian snack salad built on puffed rice paired with small diced fresh cucumber, onion, tomato, and finely chopped herbs like mint and cilantro. Cooked sweet potato cubes add a gentle sweetness and substantial bite. Peanuts contribute crunch and richness. The core of the salad’s flavor comes from the tamarind chutney, which is prepared by simmering tamarind concentrate with maple syrup, cumin, sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and the distinctive black salt known as kala namak or optional chaat masala for tang and a hint of funk.
The puffed rice absorbs some moisture from the chutney but remains crunchy when served immediately. Seasonings including chaat masala, cayenne, salt, and lemon juice regulate the balance of spicy, salty, and sour notes. Optional sev and papdi provide extra textural contrast and can be omitted for a gluten-free version.
Bhel is typically served fresh and immediately to preserve the puffed rice texture and vibrant flavors, making it a popular street snack or appetizer. It can be customized with additional protein like sprouted mung beans or cooked chickpeas for variation.
A quick homemade chaat masala mix is suggested for an authentic flavor boost, combining coriander, cumin, dry mango powder, cayenne, and kala namak. The recipe portions about four snack servings.
Ingredients
Tamarind chutney:
- 1 tbsp tamarind concentrate
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp cumin ground
- 2 tsp sugar coconut or raw or jaggery powder
- salt generous pinch each, combined note
- cayenne pepper generous pinch each, combined note
- kala namak generous pinch, or chaat masala
Bhel Salad:
- 2 cups puffed rice white or brown rice or other unsweetened puffed grains, or rice crispies
- 1 cucumber chopped small, small
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 tomato finely chopped
- mint finely chopped, a bunch
- cilantro chopped, a bunch
- 1/2 cup sweet potato cooked and cubed small (measured when cubed, cubed
- 2 tbsp peanuts or add in some cooked chickpeas to make nut-free, raw or roasted, or chopped cashews
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala , optional (See Recipe note for recipe)
- 1/4 tsp salt or more to taste
- cayenne pepper to taste
- lemon juice
optional add ins:
- sev chickpea flour noodles
- papdi wheat crackers, omit to make gluten-free
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients under chutney until well combined in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Carefully taste and adjust salt, sweet(sugar),tang and heat. Add some lemon juice for additional tang. Take off heat, cool
- Chop the cucumber onion, tomato and combine in a bowl. Mix with mint and cilanto. Cook the sweet potato by boiling or steaming to preference and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the puffed rice. Mix in the chopped cucumber onion tomato mint mix. Add the sweet potato and nuts. Toss lightly.
- Drizzle the tamarind chutney and toss again. Add salt, chaat masala, cayenne and some lime juice and mix. Taste and adjust flavor.
- Garnish with sev (chickpea noodles) and papdi(crackers) if using. Crumble some of the crackers. Serve immediately. Bhel is best served immediately as the puffed grains will become soggy over time.
Notes
- Prepare chaat masala by mixing coriander powder, cumin powder, amchur, cayenne, and kala namak for authentic seasoning.
- Add sprouted mung beans, lentils, or cooked chickpeas for extra protein and variety.
- Serve immediately after tossing to prevent puffed rice from becoming soggy.
- Omit papdi if a gluten-free version is desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 138 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 138kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Sodium | 162mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 344mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 2670IU | 53% |
| Vitamin C | 8.5mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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