Puran Poli Recipe: Maharashtra’s Traditional Delight

Welcome to the Maharashtra Discovery blog, where we explore the vibrant culture, delectable food, and rich traditions of Maharashtra. The Marathi Word “Puran”refers to “Sweet stuffing” and “Poli” to “Flatbreads”. The dish is often associated with festive occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Holi, where it is considered a must-have treat. Puran Poli is also a popular offering made during religious ceremonies and auspicious rituals.

Today, we delve into the world of Maharashtrian cuisine and uncover the delightful recipe of Puran Poli. Puran Poli is a traditional sweet flatbread that holds a special place in the hearts of Maharashtrians. This mouthwatering dish is made with a sweet lentil filling encased in a thin, soft dough. Join me on this culinary journey as we learn to create this beloved Maharashtrian delicacy right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Puran Poli:

To make Puran Poli, we’ll need a few simple ingredients that can be easily found in your pantry or local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the filling:

• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of nutmeg powder
• A pinch of salt
• Ghee (clarified butter) for frying

For the dough:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• A pinch of salt
• Water as needed

Preparing the Filling for Puran Poli :

1. Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 2 hours. Drain the water and transfer the dal to a pressure cooker.
2. Add enough water to the pressure cooker, ensuring that the dal is fully submerged. Cook on medium heat for about 4-5 whistles or until the dal becomes soft and mushy.
3. Once the pressure subsides, open the cooker and mash the cooked dal using a masher or the back of a spoon until it becomes a smooth paste-like consistency.
4. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee and add the mashed dal to it. Stir continuously on medium heat for a minute or two.
5. Add the grated jaggery to the dal mixture and continue stirring until the jaggery melts completely and blends well with the dal.
6. Sprinkle cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
7. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

Preparing the Dough and Assembling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft and pliable dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Once the dough has rested, divide it into small lemon-sized balls. Take one ball and flatten it into a small disc using your fingers or a rolling pin.
3. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the disc. Gather the edges of the dough and bring them together, sealing the filling inside. Flatten the stuffed dough gently with your hands.
4. Dust the stuffed dough ball with some flour and roll it out into a thin, round-shaped flatbread, similar to a chapati or roti.
5. Heat a griddle or tawa on medium heat. Place the rolled puran poli on the hot tawa and cook until brown spots appear on one side. Flip it over and cook the other side until golden brown, applying a little ghee on both sides.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and filling, ensuring each puran poli is cooked to perfection.
7. Serve the warm and fragrant Puran Poli with a dollop of gghee or a scoop of homemade yogurt. The delightful combination of the sweet lentil filling and the soft, thin dough will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Serving Suggestions for Puran Poli:

Puran Poli is traditionally served with a combination of accompaniments that complement its flavors. Here are a few common options:

1 . Milk: Puran Poli pairs wonderfully with a glass of warm milk. The creamy and soothing texture of milk enhances the sweetness of the dish and provides a balance to the richness of the filling.

2 . Aamti/Saar: Aamti or Saar is a tangy and spicy lentil-based curry or soup commonly served with Puran Poli. The contrasting flavors of the savory Aamti/Saar and the sweet Puran Poli create a delectable balance on the palate. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog where we’ll reveal the mouthwatering recipe of Saar/Amati, a flavorful and comforting Maharashtrian soup

3. Ghee: Ghee, a clarified butter, is a staple accompaniment for Puran Poli. Drizzling a little warm ghee on top of the Puran Poli enhances its richness and adds a delightful aroma to the dish.

4 . Gulvani: Gulawani is a traditional Jaggery soup from Maharashtra,, is an excellent choice to serve alongside Puran Poli.

Here’s a short recipe for Gulawani:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jaggery, grated or powdered
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, add water and bring it to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and add jaggery to the boiling water. Stir well until the jaggery dissolves completely.
3. Add cardamom powder and nutmeg powder to the mixture. Stir again to combine the flavors.
4. Simmer the soup for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the soup to thicken slightly.
5. Remove from heat and strain the soup to remove any impurities.
6. Serve Gulawani hot in cups or bowls.

Enjoy the warm and comforting Gulawani as a delightful Jaggery soup!

These accompaniments can be served individually or in combination, allowing you to experiment and find your preferred pairing. Remember, the choice of accompaniments is subjective, and you can customize them based on your personal preferences and taste. So, go ahead and enjoy the delightful combination of Puran Poli with milk, Gulvani, Aamti/Saar, or any other accompaniment of your choice.

Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of making Puran Poli, a beloved Maharashtrian delicacy. This sweet flatbread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a reflection of the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra. The process of preparing Puran Poli might seem intricate, but with a little practice and patience, you can recreate this traditional dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your loved ones and indulge in the heavenly flavors of Maharashtra with this authentic recipe. Happy cooking and savoring the flavors of Puran Poli!

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