Experience Uttar pradesh Railway Canteen Nostalgic Flavors at Home
Step off any railway platform in Uttar Pradesh early morning, and the aroma of crispy pooris and spicy aloo sabzi fills the air — that’s the magic of Banarasi Bedmi Poori with Aloo Tamatar Sabzi. This iconic combo is a nostalgic culinary journey, capturing the heart of Banaras street food and railway canteens.
Bedmi Poori & Aloo Tamatar Sabzi – As Seen on Laughter Chefs Season 2 🤩
This flavorful duo was recently presented on the popular cooking show Laughter Chefs Season 2, pairing it beautifully with a unique and cooling Ramphal Raita, Where Abhishek -Samarth & Vicky-Ankita not only won the heart of the judge Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi but also clinched the title of the winning dish.The presentation, flavor balance, and nostalgic appeal of the meal impressed everyone and brought traditional food back into the limelight.
In this recipe, we add a modern twist for crunchier pooris using semolina and oil-separating Aloo Tamatar Sabzi, just like the classic railway station flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive treat,or when you simply crave a taste of authentic Indian flavors with a celebrity twist.
🏙️ What Makes Banarasi Bedmi Poori Unique?
Origin: Banarasi Bedmi Poori is a beloved street breakfast in Varanasi, typically served with spicy aloo tamatar sabzi.
Distinct Flavor: Unlike Delhi’s version, the Banaras-style filling uses coarsely ground urad dal, fennel seeds, dry ginger, and hing for a deeper flavor.
Texture: The pooris are thicker and more rustic, ideal for soaking up the runny curry.
Local Serving Style: Traditionally served in leaf bowls (donas) with a side of tangy chutney or even jalebi.
Cooking Tip: Use freshly ground spices and mustard oil to recreate the authentic Banarasi aroma at home.
🛤️ Why Railway-Style Aloo Tamatar Sabzi Is So Addictive?
Minimalist Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples — potatoes, tomatoes, cumin, and turmeric — yet incredibly flavorful.
Cooking Style: Slow-cooked in mustard oil until the tomatoes release oil (a classic sign of railway-style cooking).
Tangy & Spicy: The sabzi balances heat and acidity perfectly, making it mouthwatering and satisfying.
Perfect for Travel: Slightly watery and oil-rich, so it doesn’t dry out — ideal for long journeys and tiffins.
Tastes Better Over Time: The flavors deepen after a few hours, giving it that nostalgic “next-day curry” charm.
📝 Ingredients For Banarasi Bedmi Poori (Stuffed Urad Dal Pooris):
🔸1 cup whole wheat flour
🔸2 tbsp semolina (suji) for extra crispiness
🔸¼ cup urad dal (soaked 5 hours & drained)
🔸1 tsp fennel seeds
🔸½ tsp ginger paste
🔸½ tsp red chili powder
🔸¼ tsp hing (asafoetida)
🔸½ tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
🔸1 tsp crushed kasuri methi
🔸Salt to taste
🔸Water & oil for kneading and frying
Ingredients For Railway-Style Aloo Tamatar Sabzi:
🔸3 medium boiled potatoes (cubed)
🔸3 tomatoes (pureed)
🔸1 tsp ginger paste
🔸½ tsp turmeric powder
🔸1 tsp red chili powder
🔸1 tsp coriander powder
🔸½ tsp garam masala
🔸½ tsp cumin seeds
🔸Pinch of hing
🔸2 tbsp mustard oil (authentic flavor)
🔸Salt to taste
🔸Water as needed
🔸Fresh coriander for garnish
🍳 How to Make Banarasi Bedmi Poori & Railway-Style Aloo Tamatar Sabzi
Step 1: Prepare the Dal Filling
🔺Grind soaked urad dal with fennel seeds and ginger paste to a coarse paste with minimal water.
🔺Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan, add hing, red chili powder, and salt, then cook the dal paste until dry and crumbly.
Step 2: Make the Poori Dough
🔺Mix whole wheat flour, semolina, salt, crushed kasuri methi, and a little oil.
🔺Add water gradually and knead into a firm dough. Let rest for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Stuff and Fry Bedmi Pooris
🔺Divide dough into small balls, roll them out, stuff with dal filling, and gently roll again.
🔺Deep fry in hot oil until golden and puffed.
Step 4: Cook the Railway-Style Aloo Tamatar Sabzi
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Serves: 3–4 people
🔺Heat mustard oil, add cumin seeds and hing. Add ginger paste and tomato puree.
🔺Stir in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates from the gravy.
🔺Add potatoes, mash some to thicken, add water, and simmer for 10 minutes.
🔺Finish with garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander.
🧠 Nutritional Information For banarasi bedmi poori and aloo tamatar sabzi (Per Serving Approximate)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Carbs: 52g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on frying oil absorption.)
Try our Hyderabadi Masala Paneer – A Irresistible, Flavorful & Royal Delight✨🔥
💡 Twist You Didn’t Know You Needed
🔥Semolina (Suji) in Dough: Adds crunch and keeps the pooris crispy longer.
🔥Kasuri Methi in Filling: Brings out a unique earthy aroma and enhances flavor complexity.
🔥Stuffing Variation: Add crushed peanuts or poppy seeds for added richness.
🔥Infused Oil: Use a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) in the oil for easier digestion and aroma.
🔥Healthier Option: Try air-frying the pooris — they won’t puff, but they’ll still taste great and cut down on oil.
🥄 Serving Tips to Complete Your Banarasi Bedmi poori feast
🔸Pair with Spiced Kaddu Sabzi: Add a mildly sweet and aromatic Kaddu Sabzi (pumpkin curry) on the side to balance the spicy tang of Aloo Tamatar Sabzi. Its subtle flavors complement the meal beautifully.
🔸Pair it with Laughter Chef special -Ramphal Raita : this creamy yogurt raita, featuring crunchy veggies and a hint of roasted cumin gives the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
🔸Refreshing Masala Chaas (Buttermilk): Serve a chilled glass of masala chaas with roasted cumin and black salt. This cooling yogurt drink perfectly soothes the palate after the rich pooris.
🔸Green Coriander-Mint Chutney: Offer a fresh, tangy coriander and mint chutney to add a vibrant herbal kick that cuts through the fried richness of the pooris.
🔸Sweet Tamarind Date Chutney: A sweet and tangy tamarind-date chutney for those who love a contrast of flavors, giving the meal an extra dimension.
🔸Sliced Onions with Lemon Wedges
🔸Boondi Raita: Serve creamy, crunchy boondi raita on the side for a cooling.
🔄 Leftover Ideas You’ll Love
💙Poori Chaat: Tear leftover pooris, add chopped onions, sabzi, curd, and chutneys for an instant chaat.
💙Masala Toast: Spread the leftover aloo sabzi on bread, top with cheese, and toast for a spicy sandwich.
💙Roll It Up: Make Bedmi wraps with leftover sabzi, onion slices, and green chutney.
💙Aloo Paratha Filling: Use the leftover sabzi as a stuffing for next-day parathas.
💙Tiffin Pulao: Mix leftover sabzi with cooked rice and a dash of lemon juice — a quick and tangy pulao.
📦 How to Pack It for Travel (Inspired by Railway Journeys!)
✨Puris: Let them cool completely before packing to retain crispness.
✨Layering Tip: Place a plastic sheet or banana leaf between pooris to prevent sticking.
✨Longevity: This sabzi stays good for 12–16 hours at room temperature due to the use of mustard oil and no onion/garlic.
FAQs About Banarasi Bedmi Poori & Railway Style Aloo Tamatar Curry ⁉️
Q: Can I prepare these Banarasi Bedmi Poori ahead?
Pooris are best served fresh and hot for the perfect crunch. Avoid making too far in advance.
Q: What if I don’t have urad dal?
Chana dal is an alternative but changes flavor and texture. Urad dal is key for authentic Bedmi Poori.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! Completely plant-based and free from animal products.
Q. Can I skip mustard oil?
Yes, but mustard oil gives the dish its signature tang and aroma.
Q. Why is the gravy so thin?
It’s meant to be light, runny, and flavorful — ideal for soaking up with pooris.
Q. Can I make it without tomatoes?
Tomatoes are essential for the tang. But in emergencies, you can use amchur or tamarind as a substitute.
Q. Can I store it?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving
🍽️ Final Thoughts: A Bite of Banaras on Your Plate
This Banarasi Bedmi Poori with Railway-Style Aloo Tamatar Sabzi isn’t just a meal — it’s a nostalgic throwback to temple mornings, railway journeys, and the vibrant chaos of street-side food stalls in Uttar Pradesh.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a festive breakfast, or simply craving the taste of home, this hearty combo delivers comfort, spice, and tradition in every bite.
Give it a try, share it with your family, and bring a little Banarasi soul into your kitchen.
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