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Naan B̶r̶e̶a̶d̶ (Free Naan + Date Night Update)

Naan B̶r̶e̶a̶d̶ (Free Naan + Date Night Update)

Weekly newsletter from Mauka Indian Cuisine with exclusive promotions, event information, and more.

Riaz Gillani
May 28, 2024

Tuesday May 28th, 2024 | Digest #4

Good Morning! PSA: Naan = Bread. To say ‘Naan Bread’ is to say ‘Bread Bread.’ But we’re not here to judge. Enjoy some Naan with any order over $30. And, some ‘bread bread’ (2 orders of Naan) with any order over $60.

Pro Tip: Keep Scrolling for the Discount Code!

Upcoming Events & Promotions

Wednesday Date Night Update 📅

Season 1 Friends GIF by The Roku Channel

👩‍❤️‍👨

Thank you to everyone who spent their Wednesday date nights with us! Your response has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll add to the fun. Wednesday Date Nights are now open for parties of up to 4 guests, which means more of your loved ones can join in on the fun.

That’s right. Double Date Night. Patent Pending…

_{Offer cannot be combined with any additional coupons or discounts. Dine-In Only.}

Discount Code Inbound 👩‍✈️

Your Naan-stop craving starts here.

Use Code ‘DIGEST-IBLE’ for a free Naan!

_{Valid for 1 use per recipient for Dine-In or takeout. Min Order of $30/$60. Order must be called in to use discount.}

_{Offer valid through Thursday 05/30/24.}

Pani Puri 🥰

Glow up 💅

Recipe Background 😮‍💨

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa in northern India and Puchka in Bengal, is a beloved street food that has captured millions' hearts and taste buds across the Indian subcontinent. This cherished snack has its roots in the ancient Magadha region of India, which is now part of modern-day Bihar.

Pani Puri holds a special place in Indian culinary culture, symbolizing the vibrancy and communal spirit of Indian street food. From bustling city markets to quiet rural streets, the sight of vendors skillfully assembling and serving Pani Puri brings joy to people of all ages. Its universal appeal lies in the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible treat for anyone who tries it.

Recipe Breakdown 🧑‍🍳

Ingredients

The Vessel (Crispy Puris): The puris are small, round, and crispy hollow spheres made from a dough of semolina (sooji) or whole wheat flour. These puris are deep-fried to achieve their signature light and airy texture, providing the perfect vessel to hold the filling and tangy water.
The Filling (Potato and Chickpea Masala): The filling typically consists of a spicy and tangy mashed potato mixture, sometimes combined with chickpeas or moong beans. This mixture is seasoned with chaat masala, cumin powder, and fresh coriander, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that form the heart of the Pani Puri.
The Tangy Water (Spiced Water): The spicy pani is a flavorful water made from tamarind paste, mint leaves, green chilies, and various spices such as black salt and roasted cumin powder. This tangy and spicy water sets Pani Puri apart, providing a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite.

Understanding the Process

To start with, you’ll need to make the puris. Combine semolina (sooji), all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt with water to form a soft dough. Knead the dough well and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. After resting, roll the dough into small, thin circles and deep fry them in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown. Set the puris aside to cool and become crispy.

Next, prepare the filling. Boil potatoes until soft, then peel and mash them in a bowl. Add cooked chickpeas or moong beans if desired. Mix in chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, finely chopped green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, and a dash of salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring the mixture is flavorful and slightly tangy.

For the spicy pani, blend together fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, and tamarind paste with a bit of water until smooth. Strain this mixture to remove any coarse bits. Add black salt, roasted cumin powder, and a pinch of regular salt to the strained liquid. Dilute with cold water, tasting as you go, until you achieve the desired level of spiciness and tanginess.

To assemble the pani puri, gently crack open the top of each puri to create a small hole. Fill each puri with a spoonful of the potato mixture, then dip it into the spicy pani or pour the pani into the puri until it’s filled. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite.

Pani Puri is a dish best enjoyed fresh, with friends and family gathering around, sharing the joy of this iconic Indian street food experience.

🤤

Endless Variations

Aside from these core elements, you’ll find that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to Pani Puri. Here are some ways you can customize this beloved street food to make it uniquely your own:

Flavorful Fillings: While the traditional filling is a potato and chickpea masala, you can experiment with different ingredients to create new flavors. Try using boiled and mashed sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness, or add sprouted moong beans for an extra crunch. You can also mix in finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and sev (crunchy chickpea noodles) for added texture and flavor.

Customized Pani: The spiced water is where you can get really creative. Alongside the classic tangy and spicy version, consider making sweet tamarind water by adding jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) to the mix. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as adding a hint of ginger or a splash of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing.

Heat Levels: Adjust the heat to suit your palate. If you love spicy food, add more green chilies or even a dash of red chili powder to the pani. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies and add a bit more mint to keep it refreshing and light.

Crunchy Toppings: Elevate your Pani Puri experience with a variety of crunchy toppings. Beyond the traditional sev, try adding crushed papadums or crispy fried onions. These additional textures will enhance each bite, making the dish even more satisfying.

Healthier Alternatives: For a healthier twist, bake the puris instead of frying them. You can also opt for whole wheat flour or multigrain flour to make the puris, adding a nutritional boost while retaining their crunchiness.

Pani Puri is a versatile dish that can be tailored to fit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with new variations, the joy of this iconic street food lies in its endless adaptability and the burst of flavors it brings to your palate.