Delicious and Authentic Puran Poli Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups of All-Purpose Flour (Maida)
  • 1/2 cup Wheat Flour
  • 1/4 cup Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as required
  • Extra Ghee for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the Chana Dal thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 3 hours.
  2. Boil the soaked Dal until it's soft, then drain any excess water.
  3. Add the sugar to the drained Dal and mix it well. Cook this mixture over a low flame until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  4. Add the cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and turmeric powder to the mixture. Stir well and cook until the mixture becomes thick. Let it cool and mash it into a smooth paste to make the Puran filling.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the All-Purpose Flour, Wheat Flour, and a pinch of salt. Add a little water and knead into a soft dough. Add a tablespoon of oil and knead again until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  6. Divide the dough into small balls. Take one ball and roll it out into a small circle. Place some Puran filling in the center and fold the dough over to cover the filling. Seal the edges properly.
  7. Roll out this stuffed dough ball into a flat, round Poli, taking care not to let the filling leak out.
  8. Heat a tawa or griddle and cook the Poli on it from both sides until golden brown spots appear. Apply some ghee on both sides while cooking.
  9. Repeat this process for all the dough balls. Serve the Puran Poli warm, topped with extra ghee.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix and knead the dough.
  • Rolling Pin - A long cylindrical tool used to roll out the dough.
  • Tawa or Griddle - A flat cooking surface to cook the Puran Poli.
  • Spatula - A utensil used to flip and remove the Poli from the tawa.
  • Measuring Cups - Cups to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Cooking Spoon - A spoon to stir and mix the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife to cut the dough and trim excess edges.
  • Plate - A plate to serve the cooked Puran Poli.
  • Ghee Brush - A brush or spoon to apply ghee while cooking the Poli.

Recipe variations

  • Use jaggery instead of sugar for a traditional flavor.
  • Add a pinch of saffron strands to the Puran filling for a fragrant and vibrant twist.
  • Replace the All-Purpose Flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Add a tablespoon of roasted semolina (sooji) to the dough for a slightly grainy texture.
  • Incorporate mashed bananas or grated coconut into the Puran filling for added sweetness and flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds (saunf) to the dough for a subtle aromatic taste.
  • Make a savory version by stuffing the dough with a spiced mashed potato filling.
  • Add finely chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios to the Puran filling for a crunchy texture.
  • Make a vegan version by replacing ghee with a plant-based oil or vegan butter substitute.
  • Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger powder to enhance the flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Puran Poli is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread that's particularly popular in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka. This delectable dish is usually prepared during festivals and special occasions. It's characterized by its sweet filling, known as Puran, made from Chana Dal and sugar, spiced with cardamom and nutmeg. This filling is then encased in a dough made from wheat and all-purpose flour, and cooked with ghee until it's golden brown. The finished Puran Poli is served warm, often with a generous dollop of ghee on top. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering treat at home, step by step. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to soak the Chana Dal? Soak the Chana Dal for at least 3 hours.
  2. Do I need to cook the Chana Dal before adding sugar? Yes, boil the soaked Dal until it's soft before adding sugar.
  3. How long should I cook the mixture with sugar? Cook the mixture over a low flame until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes thick.
  4. Can I use any other type of flour instead of All-Purpose Flour? For this recipe, it is recommended to use All-Purpose Flour (Maida) for the dough.
  5. Should I add any spices to the Puran filling? Yes, add cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and turmeric powder to the Puran filling.
  6. How do I know when the Poli is cooked? Cook the Poli on a tawa or griddle until golden brown spots appear on both sides.
  7. Can I skip adding ghee while cooking the Poli? Applying ghee while cooking the Poli adds flavor, but you can skip it if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread stuffed with a lentil-jaggery filling, has a rich cultural resonance across the diverse culinary landscape of India. It's particularly popular during festivals such as Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali, and is considered a treat that brings joy and togetherness. Interestingly, the name Puran Poli itself is a blend of regional terms, with 'Puran' meaning 'the filling' in Marathi, and 'Poli' meaning 'roti or bread' in several South Indian languages. This delicacy travels across regional boundaries and has various names like Vedmi in Gujarat, Bobbatlu in Andhra Pradesh, and Holige in Karnataka, each narrating a delightful tale of regional nuances in preparation and ingredients. The ritual of making and sharing Puran Poli embodies the spirit of Indian festivals - a celebration of sweetness, unity, and flavors that bind the nation together.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.