Bhaang ki Bhel: A twist to the popular Indian Bhel Puri Snack

One of the most underrated things in this world is colors. The very idea of a monochrome world sounds kinda depressing. Just like our external world, humans from inside are shades of different colors and it doesn’t get celebrated enough, unless it is the time of Holi in India, where we not only celebrate colors and paint each other but also celebrate coming together, dancing to the beat of dhols, snacking like there is no tomorrow and simply letting a different shade of color come out. 

Bhaang and Holi have become synonymous with happiness, joy, and celebration in India. Food in holi becomes not only a way of celebration but also an expression of the festival itself. 

Bhelpuri is one snack that reminds me of colors, as the snack has multiple colors in the palette just like the world gets when we play Holi. That makes Bhelpuri the perfect snack for Holi, and when paired with Bhaang it is like having the best of both world at the same time. 

The bright red of the diced tomatoes, vibrant green of the cilantro, yellow of the sev, and the orange-brown hue of the tamarind chutney all come together to create a feast for the eyes. And that’s not even counting the other colorful ingredients that can be added to bhel, such as green chilies, red onions, or even purple cabbage!

it’s not just the colors that make bhelpuri a treat for the senses. 

The combination of textures, from the crunchy sev to the soft potatoes, the juicy tomatoes to the crispy papdi, makes every bite a delight. Then there’s the explosion of flavors that hits your taste buds, from the sourness of the tamarind chutney to the spiciness of the green chilies, the sweetness of the diced onions to the tanginess of the lemon juice.

There is so much going on at the same time in this easy-to-make and light snack that it feels unrealistic especially when paired with  Bhaang it makes it like an edible cocktail which is like pure bliss for anyone who consumes it.

So, do me a favor and lets play holi by creating this Bhaang ki bhel in these super easy steps, mentioned below : 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups puffed rice (murmura)
• 1/4 cup bhaang (cannabis) leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup tomato, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup boiled potatoes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup raw mango, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup sev
• 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add puffed rice, chopped bhaang leaves, onion, tomato, boiled potatoes, raw mango, and green chili. Mix everything well.
2. Add roasted peanuts and sev to the mixture.
3. Add tamarind chutney, lemon juice, and salt. Mix everything well.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious bhaang ki bhel!

Note: You can adjust the quantity of tamarind chutney and lemon juice as per your taste. Also, feel free to add any other ingredients of your choice to the bhel. Have fun experimenting!