Vodka Infused Savory Indian Snack - Vodka Pani Puri - Golgappa

 I'm so excited about today's post !!!

First - It's a street food which is available in almost all of India by various names - Golgappa / Pani-Puri / Puchka n so on & eaten-loved by almost all age group from 2yrs old to 80+yrs.....It's a basic puffed Indian savory bread filled with boiled potato and garbanzo beans served with fresh minty water (without any alcohol).

Vodka Pani-Puri

Second - We are almost in the week of Diwali (Indian Festival of Light) which is celebrated with lots of excitement, get-together, decoration of houses/surroundings by lights, sweets and savories prepared especially for loved ones. 

Thirdly - Just because of the celebrations, I'm infusing this with vodka to give an extra bold flavor to it. (Please serve carefully & eat responsibly :)

I can go on and on about this recipe but without anymore delay, here's the recipe for you'll to enjoy !

For Easier Reference: I've broken the steps into two broad heading "Making the Vodka Water" & "Stuffing the Savories/Golgappa"

Vodka Infused Savory Indian Snack / Vodka Pani Puri-Golgappa

Serves: 4 People

Serving Suggestion: Serve Fresh

Tools:

Large Bowl / Jug - For mixing the water with other ingredients

Hand Mixer or Food Blender

Medium Strainer(Channi)

1 Large Serving Dish or Individual Plates/Bowls - For serving the dish

Ingredients:

2 Box/Bags of Golgappa (About 24) - Can be homemade or Store bought (easily available in any Indian stores)

For Savory/Golgappa Stuffing:

1/4 Cup Plain Yogurt (Whipped for one minute using hand mixer or electronic) Any kind can yogurt can be used

1/2 Tsp Tamarind Paste / Chutney  (Available in any Indian grocery store)

 2 Large Boiled Potato - Cut into tiny bite size pieces

1/2 Cup Large Can of Cooked Garbanzo - Mashed - (If using uncooked, please soak overnight and boil till tender. Strain the garbanzo once cooked and keep aside) - OPTIONAL

4 Tbsp of Fresh Pomegranate Seeds - Chilled - OPTIONAL

For the Vodka Infused Water/Pani-Puri Water:

5 Cups Water - Chilled

1 Cup Vodka - (I’m using grey goose) - You can use any brand & increase or decrease the quantity per taste

1.5 Cups Fresh Mint Leaves - Cleaned and washed

1 Cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves - Cleaned and washed

1/2 Tsp Green Chili Sauce / Paste - (Depending on availability & taste) - OPTIONAL

1/4 Tsp Ginger Paste

1 Tbsp Jaggery or Brown Sugar or Regular Sugar

1/2 Tsp Tamarind Paste / Chutney - (Available in any Indian grocey store)

Powdered Spices: 

1 Tsp Cumin Powder

1 Tsp Red Chili Powder - Optional

2 Tsp Salt (As per your taste)

1 Tsp Pink Himalayan Salt (Kala Namak)

Method:

Note: The Golgappa or Savories are stuffed just before serving. (Doing this earlier will result in soggy product)

Process of Making the Vodka Pani-Puri Water:

1. In a food blender, add all the "Pani-Puri Water" ingredients except Vodka and blend until the leaves are evenly mixed into a fine paste (2mins)
2. Take a large bowl and pour the blended water using a strainer (strain any residue).
3. Now add all the powdered spices and give it a good stir (Taste the water to make sure it’s the right blend of sweet n spicy).
4. Add Vodka and stir lightly to mix everything.

Process of Stuffing the Savory/Golgappa & Serving :

1. In a serving plate, place the golgappa(savories) and crack them lightly on top, removing the shell and making a well in-between for the filling.
2. Now take few pieces of boiled potato, garbanzo beans and add it in the already created space in golgappa(savories).
3. Pour 2-3 Tbsp of Vodka Pani-Puri water over the stuffed golgappa and drizzle with yogurt and tamarind sauce.
4. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top and serve.