Bhel Puri

You know what Bhel is, don't you?

It's a yummy lip smacking sweet, sour, zesty symbiosis of churmure, sevs, chiwda, nuts, tomatoes, onions, green chillies and corriander, kairee [raw mango], potato, sweet and hot chutneys, a dash of lime etc etc mixed well in a stainless steel vessel and served fresh and eaten immediately.

When I was a small girl I liked Sadhana Bhel in Gondal Road and the famous Bhel near Yagnik Road.Now my son says "Patel” Bhel is his favourite. The other day I relished the much hyped Kalyan Bhel. Now there is such a proliferation of Bhel Stalls all over Rajkot and I am confused and wonder where I can enjoy the best really authentic tasty Bhel in Rajkot.

I'm yearning for a yummy lip-smacking "Bhel" - so my dear friends, especially the Rajkotians please tell me which is your favourite delectable Bhel in Rajkot!

Vegetables
(Primary)
1 big onion, finely chopped
1 potato, boiled and diced
2-3 salad tomatoes, chopped
raw mango, finely chopped (Optional)
cucumber, finely chopped (Optional)
lots of cilantro (coriander), finely chopped

Sweet Chutney
Dates 10 -12
Tamarind 1 lemon sized ball
a little salt
garam masala (optional)
a pinch of turmeric (optional)

Boil in a little water and strain.

Hot Chutney
Grind chillies(8-10), a few sprigs of mint and cilantro (optional) with a little water.Puffed rice, hot mix

Method:

1. Mix the chopped vegetables with the chutneys.
2. Add a little salt and lime juice(optional).
3. Add the puffed rice and "hot mix" just before serving.
4. Garnish with cilantro and a little grated coconut if desired.