Bhel: A 15-min crunchy & fun party snack

Sukha (dry) Bhel is (a mostly healthy) mouthwatering Indian snack that will elevate your movie/game nights with something fun

Game nights and movie marathons need snacks that bring the crunch, the spice, and the fun. The usual candidates? Crisps (chips), frozen fries, or something pre-packed and deep-fried from the supermarket. But if you’re like me and find yourself hosting (or visiting people) often, you’ll know the struggle of wanting something quick, exciting, and different. Enter the Indian classic, sukha bhel.

This one-bowl vegan wonder is an explosion of flavours; crunchy, spicy, tangy, and a little sweet—all without the need for chutneys or complicated prep. It’s the dry (sukha) version of bhel puri, an iconic Indian street snack, but easier to make, with zero sogginess and maximum crunch.

Growing up, sukha bhel was a staple on road trips and beach days. It was our go-to for effortless snacking, just a packet of bhel mix, a few basic ingredients, and a good toss in spices. However, back then, I thought this was a classic street food; it was something you only got from a chaat shop or in a pre-packed box from the supermarket. Then, my friend and I decided to experiment, and we cracked the perfect homemade sukha bhel that’s just as addictive as the street-style version, but better and easier to share.

So, the next time you’re planning a game night, skip the same old crisps and make this instead. It’s quick, no-fuss, and guaranteed to be a hit!

For me, bhel is the memory of fun, family and belongingness. I hope this recipe adds a lot of memories in your life too!

What You Need (Serves 4)

Fresh Ingredients

• 2 red onions, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, or substitute with green chili sauce)
• 5 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
• 4-5 baby potatoes (or 1.5 large potatoes)

Spices & Seasoning

• 2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 4 tsp chaat masala
• 2 tsp amchur powder (dry mango powder)
• 2 heaped tsp Kashmiri red chili powder

Crunchy Bits

• 300 g bhel mix (see below for details or how to DIY it!)

Final Touches

• Juice of ½ lemon (or to taste)
• Green chili sauce, if using (I love El Yucateco Green Habanero Sauce, start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste)

How to make sukha Bhel

1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes

• Microwave, Boil or steam the potatoes (I usually use the potato mode in my microwave, it’s quick!) until they’re fully cooked but still firm.
• Peel and dice them into small cubes.

2️⃣ Mix the Base

• In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and potatoes.

3️⃣ Season It

• Add salt, chaat masala, amchur powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder, then toss everything together so the veggies and potatoes are well-coated.

4️⃣ Add the Crunch

• Pour in the bhel mix (about 75 g per person) and toss well so everything is evenly mixed.

💡 What’s in a bhel mix?
It’s a crunchy combination of puffed rice, sev (crispy gram flour noodles), and peanuts lightly tossed in turmeric and spices. You’ll find it in Indian stores or online. I personally love the Balaji Wafers Sev Murmura (their lemon bhel mix and garlic bhel mix are fantastic too!). Garvi Gujarat also makes a great version.

💡 Can’t find a bhel mix? No problem! Here’s how to make a quick DIY version:

• 2 cups puffed rice
• ½ cup sev (or thin crispy noodles)
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts
• A pinch of turmeric and a dash of salt
• Add 1 tsp oil, toss all the above ingredients for 30 seconds and your bhel mix is ready!

5️⃣ Finish It Off

Now, stir in the chopped coriander leaves and squeeze over fresh lemon juice.

Add green chili sauce now (El Yucateco Green Habanero Sauce is my go-to, but it’s spicy—start with a little and build up!).

Lastly, toss everything one last time and serve immediately.

Make It Your Own: Twists in the sukha bhel

🔸 Want it spicier? Add extra chili powder or a few drops of your favourite hot sauce.
🔸 Craving more tang? Increase the lemon juice or throw in a pinch of extra amchur.
🔸 Extra crunch? Toss in more roasted peanuts or crushed papdi (crispy puris).
🔸 Pairing idea: This goes brilliantly with masala lemonade or a light beer.

Why You’ll Love This Bhel Recipe

✔ 15 minutes, no cooking fuss (except a quick potato boil!)
✔ No chutneys, no sogginess, just crunch and spice
✔ Perfect for game nights, road trips, and anytime snacking

The next time you need a snack that’s fun, fast, and absolutely addictive, give this sukha bhel a try. I promise, once you make it, there’s no going back to plain old crisps!

Let me know if you try it, I’d love to hear what you think!

Enjoy your crunchy, tangy, and spicy Sukha Bhel!

For more unique Indian-inspired snack inspirations for game/movie nights and parties, check out Chip Chaat and the Samosa Masala Toastie.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any fun twists you added!