Puran Poli- From the Kitchens of India

Puran poli is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread that is particularly popular in the western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. It is often served during special occasions and festivals such as Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Puran poli consists of a filling made of cooked chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, and spices, which is then stuffed inside a wheat flour dough and rolled out into flatbreads. The flatbreads are then cooked on a griddle or tawa with ghee or oil until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Puran poli is a beloved dish in India, not just for its delicious taste but also for its cultural significance. It is often associated with family gatherings and celebrations and is seen as a symbol of warmth and hospitality.

Here’s a detailed recipe for making Puran Poli:

Ingredients:

For the stuffing:

• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp nutmeg powder
• 1 tsp ghee

For the dough:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Water, as required

For the assembly:

• Ghee, as required
• Dry flour, for dusting

Instructions:

1. To make the stuffing, wash the chana dal and soak it in water for 2 hours. Drain the water and transfer the dal to a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups of water and pressure cook for 5–6 whistles, or until the dal is cooked and soft.
2. Once the pressure releases, open the cooker and mash the dal until it becomes smooth. Add grated jaggery, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and ghee to the dal and mix well.
3. Place the dal mixture in a heavy-bottomed pan and cook it over low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
4. To make the dough, mix the whole wheat flour, ghee, and salt in a mixing bowl. Slowly add water, kneading until the dough becomes soft and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls. Take one ball and flatten it with your hands. Place a spoonful of the dal mixture in the centre of the dough and bring the edges of the dough together to cover the stuffing.
6. Dust the dough ball with dry flour and roll it out into a circular shape. Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat and place the rolled-out puran poli on it. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, applying ghee as needed, until both sides are golden brown.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and dal mixture until all the puran polis are cooked.
8. Serve the puran polis hot with a dollop of ghee on top. Enjoy!

Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that is loved by many. It requires a little bit of effort, but the end result is definitely worth it. So, give this recipe a try and savour the flavours of India!