This apple pani puri is a refreshing and healthy twist on the traditional Indian street food, pani puri. In this fusion apple-based version, the spicy and tangy water aka pani with apples and apple juice along with mint and cilantro replaces the usual pani offering a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. This is a perfect way to enjoy fall produce and enjoy the season.
Why apple pani puri?
Pani puri is a traditional and popular Indian street food that needs no special introduction. This is a dish that has texture and taste all satisfied in one. The crunchy puri, the meaty and crisp toppings, with a refreshing pani (or flavored water) with mouth puckering flavors, all in one bite is an experience by itself. It is hard to stop with one and it is possible to gobble tons of Pani puri. This recipe is with an apple twist on the classic one.
Apple Pani
Apple juice and fresh apples add a dose of natural sweetness and fiber, making this a slightly healthier version of the traditional dish. There is no added sugar in the recipe and the sweetness is contributed by fresh apple juice only. Even picky eaters will love pani puri without exception. And this is a perfect one to sneak some extra fruit in diet. I do sneak cranberries in a similar fashion, check out this Cranberry Pani Puri aka vampire blood pani puri. Because of its color, it is a great one to make for Halloween.
The combination of sweet apple juice and tart Granny Smith apple replaces the tangy tamarind in the classic recipe. This apple pani with traditional Indian spices creates a delightful twist on classic pani puri, offering a refreshing and innovative flavor experience. This is also a way to use your seasonal produce. When you tree is loaded with Granny Smith apples, Apple Pie, Apple Pachadi, and this apple pani puri are classic and unique ways to use it up.
Serving apple pani puri at a gathering or party is the way to have fun. It brings everyone together, starting conversations making everyone forget what was clouding their mind. Pani puri magic it is. This experience is so special and your guests will have a wonderful time creating memories, fun, and laughter.
Serve this at your next gathering. This fruit twist on the classic dish combining fresh fruit and adding a traditional twist, your guests will want the recipe card for the apple pani. Make sure to make copies.
Ingredients needed for apple pani puri
Puri - Bite size puffed semolina puri for pani puri is available in Indian stores. That option makes it easy for entertaining though you can make it at home too.
Granny Smith apple - This apple should be the choice as it imparts the tart flavor.
Lemon and lime juice - This boosts the sour flavors of the apple pani equivalent to the traditional tamaring based one.
Black salt and pani puri masala - these are available in Indian stores. These impart classic flavors to the apple pani.
Salt - gives flavor.
Mint and cilantro - boosts the aroma and flavor and give the characteristic refreshing flavor to the pani aka flavored water.
Moong sprouts - This gives texture as well as adds to the protein of the snack. It is easy to make it at home, however store-bought moong sprouts can also be used.
Garbanzo beans - Adds to the meaty texture and protein. This recipe uses cooked sprouted dark garbanzos aka kala channa. Regular garbanzo will also work in this recipe.
Potatoes - spicy potato filling adds to the flavor. Gold potatoes are used in this recipe. Any type of potato will work.
Cumin and coriander powder - boost the flavor of the potato filling imparting layers of flavor.
Onion - finely chopped onions are a great topping. This is not used in this recipe but is commonly used in pani puri. You mau include as you wish.
Sev or boondi - deep fried garbanzo snacks adding to the texture and protein.
Serving suggestions
Thsi apple pani puri, with a fruity, tangy, spicy flavor profile is a tasty snack. Nonetheless this makes THE appetizer for any gathering. The guests can make it themselves and that is the fun part certainly. Kids and adults will love it equally than any other dishes on the menu. This pani puri should be served immediately else it becomes soggy.
Storage
The apple Pani puri has to served immediately as the flavored pani will soak the puri. But the apple pani, potato filling, sprouts can be made ahead and refrigerated if you are making for a larger group. Assemble it just before each serving.
More Apple Recipes
Here are some unique apple recipes for you.
for more delicious apple recipes, check here.
Pani Puri or Chaat Recipes
Apple Pani Puri
Ingredients
Apple Pani
- 1¼ cup Granny Smith apple chopped
- 2½ cups Apple juice
- 1¼ tbsp Lemon juice
- 1¼ tbsp Lime juice
- ⅓ cup Cilantro packed
- ⅔ cup Mint Packed
- 2 tsp Pani Puri masala
- 1 tsp Black salt
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1-2 Thai chili
- 1 cup cooked potataoes
- ¼ tsp Cumin powder
- ¼ tso Coriander powder
- ¼ tsp Black salt
- ⅛ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Cilantro
Assembly
- 7 Oz box Pani Puri
- ½ cup Cooked garbanzo
- ½ cup Moong sprouts
- 2 tbsp Cilantro
- 2-3 tbsp Onion finely chopped
- Namkeen like sev or boondi
Instructions
- Add the mint, cilantro, black salt, salt, pani puri masala, green apples, apple juice, lemon and lime juice to a blender. Blend to a smooth consistency.
- Transfer to a bowl. Top with some namkeens like sev and/or boondi.
- To cooked potatoes, add salt, black salt, cumin and coriander powder. Mix well and set aside.
- To assemble: Take a puri and gently tap it on one side to poke a hole. Add half teaspoon potato mix, sprouts, cooked garbanzos. Then fill up to the brim with apple pani. Top with sev or boondi and cilantro. Serve immediately. Repeat with the rest of the puri and serve immediately.
Wendy Klik says
A new dish for me to experiment and try. Thanks so much.
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Wendy!
Hezzi-D says
An apple version with no added sugar sounds perfect for back to school!
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, it is a great snack. Thanks Heather!
Karen's Kitchen Stories says
This is totally new to me and I'm completely intrigued! I need to try it.
magicalingrdnts says
You'll love the flavors of this apple pani. Thanks Karen for visiting.
Inger says
I'll bet these are the hit of the party! I'd totally eat apple with cilantro!
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, they are. The sweetness of juice along with tart apples and spices is a unique experience of flavor. Thanks Inger!
Marcelle says
This is a new dish for me, but it's gorgeous. I would love to eat a few of these right now!!
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Marcelle! These are very flavorful version and a healthier one too.
Christie says
These look so delicious! I will have to Google some of the ingredients so I can find them to make them. They look so fun to eat.
Padma says
Whoa! This is such a unique recipe… apple pani?! Sounds delicious. Cannot wait to try it when my girls are home for holidays.
magicalingrdnts says
Yup! It is the best way to sneak healthy produce! Do let me know how you loved it. Thanks Padma!
Juyali says
What a fun and creative way to use apples! I love unique recipes like this that use produce in season. Yum!!