What are pani puri shots?
Pani puri shots (a.k.a. golgappa shots or gol gappe shots) are a versatile snack invented in India made of stuffed pani puri (golgappa) placed on top of liquid-filled shot glasses. These shots are usually served as eye-catching savory appetizers commonly seen at Indian weddings and banquets, but are sometimes made into a sweet dessert.
The one consistent component of this food is pani puri, a popular street food throughout India created by deep-frying wheat flour into crispy puffed balls. The pani puris are punctured to create small vessels that hold an assortment of ingredients like diced vegetables, fresh fruits or even chocolate-covered nuts. Once filled, they are placed on shot glasses that are filled with complementary ingredients (e.g. flavored water, juice vodka, etc.).
How do you take a pani puri shot properly?
It’s pretty easy. As long as you don’t stuff your face with everything at once, you’ll be fine. Ideally, you should pick up the filled puri, pour some of the liquid from the shot inside the hole of the puri and eat it whole, or carefully take a bite if it doesn’t fit in your mouth. Then, drink the rest of the shot. There you go. Now you’re a pro.
Where can I get it?
Unless you visit India, chances are it will be a bit challenging to find these flavorful shots. So, you’ll have a much better chance at trying them if you make them yourself byfollowing the recipe below.
However, if you live in an area with many Indian restaurants, you could be in luck. These restaurants with a modern take on Indian cuisine may serve this uncommon (outside of India) food. Here are some of the best places you can taste these pani puri shots.
Houston, TX (Sugarland): Nirmanz Food Boutique
Los Angeles, CA (Artesia): Monsoon
San Diego, CA: Surati Farsan Mart
New York, NY: Moti Mahal Delux
San Francisco, CA: Kinara Fusion Kitchen
How can I make it?
If you’re not near any restaurants or eateries that serve pani puri shots, you can still make them by following this recipe with savory and sweet options.
pani puri shots (a.k.a. golgappa shots)
Ingredients
- 1 pack pani puri
- savory version (if picking this, ignore sweet version; don’t use both):
- 2 large potatoes (boiled and diced)
- 1/4 cup chickpeas or peas (boiled)
- 2 teaspoons tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon coriander chutney
- 2-4 drops cooking oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped seedless dates
- 1 1/2 tablespoons powdered jaggery (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala powder
- 2 to 3 cups of water (adjust to desired consistency)
- 2 tablespoons boondi
- sweet version – chocolate golgappa shots (if picking this, ignore savory version; don’t use both):
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate (melted)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1/4 peanuts, almonds and/or pistachios (chopped)
- 1 cup ice cream (your favorite flavor; blended to a soft consistency)
- sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- First, put a few drops of cooking oil to lightly coat the pani puris. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer for 2 minutes, or until puffed up and crispy. Allow to cool for 1 minute.
- Gently puncture each of the fried puris with a small knife or your finger to create a hole large enough to place the filling.
- Savory version (skip step 4):
- Mix the potatoes, chickpeas, coriander chutney and 1 teaspoon tamarind chutney.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the mix in each of the punctured puris until filled.
4. Sweet version (skip step 3):
- Carefully coat the punctured puris in the melted chocolate and add sprinkles.
- Chill the chocolate-covered pani puris in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until solid.
5. Place the filled pani puris on top of the filled shot glasses.
6. Enjoy!
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Special Items for recipe
- 6 shot glasses
- large bowl (for mixing)
- blender or hand blender (optional)
- air fryer (optional, but highly recommended for healthier frying)
Remember, there are an infinite number of ways to make pani puri shots, so substitute ingredients as you like (besides the pani puri/golgappa) and be creative. Have fun!
