Pani Puri is a yummy street snack that we all love. It’s crispy, delicious, and also available on almost every street across India. What’s more? It boasts
some amusing facts that you probably didn’t know.
Pani puri is every Indian’s go-to dish when it comes to street food. The dish has several varieties, and the most beloved one consists of crispy-fried puffed balls filled with mashed potatoes, onions, chickpeas, spices, and tamarind/mint-flavored water. It boasts many names, such as Puchka, Gol Gappa, Falk, Pakodi, Gup Chup, Paani Ke Patashe, etc., in different regions of the country. Its tangy, lip-smacking taste is enough to make you go crazy and crave more every single time. Without further ado, let’s discuss some fun, interesting, yet lesser-known facts about this iconic dish.
It originated years ago.
There’s no recorded history about how and where Pani Puri originated. But some believe that it (known as phulki at that time) was first made in Magadha (present-day South Bihar), at a time when chitba, tilba, pitthow, chewda, etc., were emerging. Also, as some food historians believe, a different version of pani puri was invented in Varanasi centuries ago.
It’s associated with a legend.
Pani puri’s origin is associated with a legend as well. According to the Mahabharata, Draupadi (when newly wedded) invented pani puri as Kunti wanted to test if her daughter-in-law was capable of preparing a dish with wheat and leftover potato. It’s also believed that Kunti loved the dish so much that she blessed it with immortality.
It has a low satiety quotient.
Ever wondered why you crave more after finishing one plate of pani puri? Well, it’s not just about the irresistible taste, but also associated with a scientific factor. Research has found that pani puri has a low satiety quotient, which does not make you feel full very soon.
It’s loaded with calories.
Pani puri is loaded with calories, owing to the ingredients (precisely, wheat, potatoes, and oil) it’s made of. A serving of this dish provides you with 250 – 350 calories. This means that you will need to run for more than 30 minutes to balance the number in your body.
It offers some health benefits.
Surprising as it may sound, pani puri offers several benefits to your health. It’s an excellent source of fiber, iron, zinc, folate, manganese, potassium, and magnesium, along with vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, and D. It contains pudina, jaljeera, and several other ingredients that significantly cure mouth ulcers. It’s also beneficial for those who are struggling with acidity, diabetes, digestive issues, etc.
Pani Puri is a lot more than just a street snack. It’s an emotion that rules the hearts of millions around the world.
