Indian puffs, also known as gobi Manchurian puffs, are a popular Indian street food and appetizer. They consist of fried dough balls filled with a spiced potato and vegetable filling. Indian puffs have a crispy outer layer and a soft, savory interior. They make for an addictive snack and are often served with chutneys or other dips.
In this article, we’ll explore the main ingredients that go into making classic Indian puffs and discuss some variations on the traditional recipe. Read on to learn more about what gives these tasty fritters their distinctive flavor and texture.
Main Ingredients
Indian puffs are made from just a handful of main ingredients:
Maida Flour
The outer shell of Indian puffs is made from maida flour, also known as refined wheat flour. Maida has a higher gluten content than whole wheat flour, which gives the puff pastry a crispier texture after frying. A simple dough is made by mixing maida flour with water, salt, and a bit of oil. This dough is then rolled out and cut into circles to form the puff shells.
Potatoes
Boiled potatoes are one of the main components of the puff filling. Potatoes are added for texture and absorb the other flavors of the filling well. They also help make the filling more substantial. The type of potato used can vary, but sturdy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold work best.
Onion
Onions are cooked down into a onion-tomato masala sauce which provides the base for the puff filling. Onions add an aromatic element and sweetness to balance out the other spices. Red onions or shallots are commonly used.
Vegetables
Along with potatoes, other vegetables like carrots, beans, cabbage, bell peppers, or peas are often added to the filling. The vegetable additions can vary depending on what’s available and add extra flavor, nutrition, and textural contrast.
Spices
A blend of spices is used to flavor the puff filling. Common spices include cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili powder or flakes, garam masala, and amchoor (dried mango powder). These spices give the filling its signature Indian taste.
Filling Ingredients
In addition to the main components listed above, a few other ingredients are used to bring each puff together:
Oil
Oil is used both in the dough and to fry the puffs. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are commonly used. The oil helps keep the puffs crispy.
Water
Water is mixed with the flour to form the dough. A small amount of water is also usually added to the filling to help moisten it.
Salt
A pinch of salt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the filling mix. Salt also provides a necessary baking component to the dough.
Chaat Masala
This tangy spice blend often contains amchoor, cumin, coriander, ginger, salt, and chili powder. It can be sprinkled on top of the puffs or mixed into the filling to add extra zing.
Garam Masala
This blend of warming spices like cinnamon, clove, cumin, and bay leaf can also be added to the filling or sprinkled as a garnish. It adds complex flavor.
Mint
Fresh mint leaves are sometimes mixed into the filling or used as a garnish. The cooling mint offsets the heat of the chilies.
Coriander
Fresh coriander leaves are also a popular puff garnish. They add freshness and extra flavor.
Binding Agent
A binding agent helps hold the puff filling together so it doesn’t leak out during frying.
Besan (Gram Flour)
Gram flour made from ground chickpeas is commonly used as a binder. It soaks up moisture and adds texture and protein to the filling.
Rice Flour
Rice flour is another good alternative for binding the filling. It also adds a subtle stickiness.
Cornstarch
A small amount of cornstarch can help bind the filling while keeping it tender. Too much can make the filling gluey.
Breadcrumbs
Panko or other dried breadcrumbs are sometimes used to absorb excess moisture in the filling. They add an extra crunchy element.
Traditional Indian Puff Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the main ingredients, here is one way to put them all together for a classic batch of Indian puffs:
Dough Ingredients:
– 2 cups maida flour
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp oil
– Water
Filling Ingredients:
– 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup green peas
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
– 1 green chili, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
– 1 tsp chaat masala
– 1 tsp garam masala
– Salt to taste
– 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp gram flour
– Water as required
Instructions:
1. Make the dough by mixing together the maida flour, salt, oil and enough water to form a soft pliable dough. Knead for 5 minutes then cover and rest for 20 minutes.
2. For the filling, heat oil in a pan. Add the onions and saute until translucent. Add the rest of the filling ingredients except the gram flour and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the gram flour and stir to combine thoroughly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water if needed to moisten. Remove from heat and let cool completely before filling the puffs.
4. Divide the dough into lemon-sized balls. Roll each ball out into a thin round disc. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center and fold the dough over to seal, pleating and pressing the edges together.
5. Heat oil for frying and fry the puffs a few at a time until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve the hot Indian puffs immediately garnished with chaat masala, coriander leaves or mint chutney if desired. Enjoy!
This traditional recipe can be modified in many ways while keeping the basic dough and filled puff concept intact. Let’s look at some popular ways to switch up Indian puffs.
Variation Ideas
Here are some ideas for putting creative twists on classic Indian puffs:
Filling Variations
– Cauliflower Manchurian – Use boiled, spiced cauliflower florets as the main filling ingredient.
– Chicken – Use shredded tandoori chicken in place of vegetables.
– Keema – Try a spiced lamb or goat keema filling.
– Paneer – Cubed paneer cheese and spinach make a tasty filling.
– Sweet – For dessert puffs, use coconut, khoya, nuts or fruit fillings.
Shape Variations
– Rolls – Roll out dough into a square, add filling down the center and roll up like a log.
– Cones – Fold dough circles into cones and stuff with filling.
– Empanadas – Make triangular hand pie shapes instead of half moons.
– Samosas – Deep fry pyramids or triangles instead of rounds.
Dough Variations
– Add semolina (sooji/rava) to dough for extra crispness.
– Use puff pastry sheets instead of maida dough.
– Try doughs made with whole wheat flour, buckwheat flour or oats.
– Stuff paranthas with filling and fry for a layered version.
Spice and Flavor Variations
– Add chili flakes or ground chipotle for a spicy kick.
– Use chaat masala, amchoor or peri peri seasoning for extra tang.
– Stir in grated cheese or paneer for richness.
– Mix in raisins, cashews, coconut or pistachios for texture.
– Switch up herbs like cilantro, dill or chives instead of mint.
Cooking Method Variations
– Bake instead of frying for a healthier version. Spray with oil and cook at 400°F until browned and crisp.
– Pan fry in a skillet on the stovetop to reduce oil usage.
– Air fry the puffs in an air fryer for crispness without deep frying.
– Steam the puffs before frying for extra moistness.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting with fillings, doughs, spices and cooking methods to create innovative puff recipes. Try out a few different versions to find new favorite ways to enjoy these Indian snacks.
Conclusion
Indian puffs earn their place as a beloved street food thanks to the glorious contrast of their crisp, golden shells and flavorful, spicy fillings. While recipes can vary, classic puffs are made using simple ingredients like wheat flour, hearty potatoes and vegetables, aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and frying oil. When these components come together through frying, the result is a irresistibly crunchy, complex treat that keeps fans coming back for more. Though traditional recipes are at the core, there is ample room for creativity and customization when making Indian puffs. Whether enjoying a classic batch or an experimental new variety, these golden fried appetizers are a consistently tasty highlight of Indian cuisine.