Puran Poli is a traditional Indian flatbread stuffed with a sweet lentil filling. It's a popular dessert in India, especially during festivals like Holi and Diwali. A step-by-step guide on how to make Puran Poli:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
- A pinch of salt
- Water (for kneading)
For the Filling (Puran):
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 cup jaggery or sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)
- Ghee or oil for cooking
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
1. Combine Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Knead the Dough:
- Gradually add water to the flour and knead it into a soft and smooth dough. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling (Puran):
3. Cook Chana Dal:
- Wash the chana dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with enough water until it becomes soft and mushy. Alternatively, you can cook it in a regular pot until it's soft. Drain any excess water.
4. Sweeten the Dal:
- In a separate pan, melt the jaggery or sugar with a little water to make a syrup. Strain it to remove impurities if using jaggery.
- Add the cooked chana dal to the syrup and mix well.
5. Cook the Filling:
- Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and becomes a dry, cohesive mass. This may take about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the cardamom powder and nutmeg powder (if using) and mix well.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
Make the Puran Poli:
6. Divide the Dough:
- Divide the rested dough into equal-sized balls, slightly smaller than the balls for regular rotis or chapatis.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
- Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
8. Add the Filling:
- Place a portion of the cooled chana dal filling in the center of the rolled-out dough.
9. Seal the Edges:
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough and seal them to cover the filling completely, forming a stuffed ball.
10. Roll Out Again:
- Gently flatten the stuffed dough ball and roll it out into a larger circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Use a little dry flour to prevent sticking.
11. Cook Puran Poli:
- Heat a griddle or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the rolled Puran Poli on the hot griddle.
12. Cook with Ghee:
- Apply a little ghee or oil on both sides of the Puran Poli and cook until it's golden brown and crispy on both sides.
13. Serve:
- Remove from the griddle and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade Puran Poli, a delightful Indian sweet flatbread that's perfect for festive occasions!