PHUCHKA FRENZY

If I had to list my all time favorite street food, it would undoubtedly be Phuchka. A single blog post, is not enough to document, this love affair, which has been spanning for more than 3 decades, but I shall surely try. As a popular message being forwarded on social media, sums it up, "Somewhere between 5 for Re 1, to 1 for Rs 5, we grew up."

Its known by different names, across India. Phuchka in West Bengal , Panipuri in North India and Golgappa in Bombay(Mumbai) to name a few.

Phuchka is much more than a snack, or a street food staple from Kolkata. Its an emotion. Its a passion. Something, which has its own streak of nostalgia. Something, which is simply impossible to forget. Something, for which cravings, carry on, even when you are 80.

Needless to say, I am a Phuchka Fanatic . While Panipuri is available at the numerous Chaat counters, across town, I do miss my share of Phuchka, from Kolkata. Standing in front of the Phuchka seller, specifying your heat levels, and enjoying your share to your heart and tummy's content. No trip to India, is complete without a few stops at the numerous Phuckha vendors spread across the city scape of Kolkata.

Phuchka is a hollow , deep fried crisp, which is filled with a helping of spicy mashed potatoes, and then dunked in a sour water. Boiled bengal cream, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, chopped green chilies, go in the mashed potato, along with dry roasted cumin powder, rock salt . There are two kinds of Dunking Water, available with the vendors: one that is slightly sweet , and one thats spicy. Both are tamarind based.

My husband is aware of my love for Phuckha. Along with the supplies, which came in from the local Indian grocery store, came in a large packet of Phuchka Puris. We were all set for an impromptu Phuchka Date night. We had recently attended a Chaat Party at a friend's home, and loved their spread. So I sought her help , when it came to making the dunking water or Tawk Jawl (Sour Water) . Thank you Devika and Aunty for your help.

PHUCHKA AT HOME : 

Ingredients : 

Phuchka Puris : 1 large pack

Potato Filling : 
Potatoes : Peeled and boiled - 4 medium sized. mashed
Dry Roasted Cumin and chili powder : 1 tsp
Rock Salt
Red onion: 1/4 large : Finely chopped
Green Chili : Finely Chopped .
Cilantro : 1/4 bunch - finely chopped

Green Water : 
Mint Leaves : 1/4 bunch
Cilantro : 1/4 bunch
Green Chilies : according to heat preferences
Rock Salt :
Dry Roasted Cumin Powder : 1/2 tsp
Ice
Water
Lime Juice : 1/2 lime


Tamarind Water : 
Tamarind Pulp : 1 tbsp
Sugar : 1/2 tsp
Rock Salt
Dry roasted Cumin Powder
Lime Juice : 1 whole Lime

Procedure : 
Once the potato has cooled, mash it with the rest of the ingredients. Knead it , till you get a smooth mixture. Keep it aside.


Green Water : 
Blend the herbs, with chilies, lime juice , and water. Transfer to a large bowl, and mix in the seasonings and spices. Add a few cubes of ice, and more water. The resultant spice water should be pretty dilute. The spices and herb mix have a habit of settling down. So stir , before you serve.

Tamarind Water : 
Dissolve the tamarind pulp, in slightly luke warm water. Add in the seasonings and spices , lime juice, and add a few ice cubes to it as well. Mix well and serve.


Bon Appetit !