Puran poli recipe – A Delectable Maharashtrian Sweet Delight

Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a sweet lentil filling made from husked spilled Bengal gram (chana dal) and jaggery.

Food is the ultimate soul of each holiday, and the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and other holidays like Diwali are defined by the iconic Maharashtrian dish Puran Poli. It is a simple recipe for a flatbread that has a sweet lentil filling cooked with sugar and chana dal. Jaggery and Bengal gram are further options.

 It is a delicious side dish with rich flavors yet extremely easy and quick to make

Ingredients of Puran Poli

For mixture:

• 1 cup Chana Dal
• 3 cups Water
• 1½ cup jaggery
• ½ tsp ghee
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric

For making dough

• 2 cups Maida (all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Ghee
• 1 cup Water

Instruction for Puran Poli

Dal Mixture:

1. Rinse the chana dal first very well in water.
2. Now, In a large bowl soak 1 cup of chana dal for 1 hour.
3. Take Chana dal in a pressure cooker, add ¼ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp ghee, and 3 cups water pressure cook it for about a minute (3-4 whistles)
4. now drain off the water separating the dal and water.
5. transfer the dal to a large kadai.
6. add 1½ cup jaggery and mix well.
7. once the jaggery melts, start to mash the dal.
8. mash until the dal turns smooth paste.
9. you can alternatively, grind the dal and jaggery into the mixi jar.
10. Stir and let this Puran mixture cook on a low flame till the mixture becomes dry.
11. Let the mixture cool down

Prepare the dough:

1. Meanwhile, take maida (all-purpose flour) and salt in a bowl and mix well.
2. Add a little bit of water and ghee or oil and mix.
3. now add water as required and start to knead the dough.
4. knead to a smooth and soft dough adding water in batches.
5. The dough should be smooth and soft.
6. Wrap the bowl with a plastic sheet or damp cloth and leave it for 30 minutes.

Prepare Puran Poli:

1. The Puran mixture has been cooked now and should be dry and thick.
2. Make flat balls out of the dough as we make chapatis.
3. Roll it 2 to 3 inches in circumference on a dusted rolling board.
4. Place a portion of the puran mixture in the center of the rolled dough.
5. Bring the edges together towards the center Join all the edges and pinch them.
6. Roll it out again in a round shape.
7. The cover should be rolled a bit thin and not thick.
8. On a heated tawa or griddle, spread some ghee.
9. When the pan is enough hot, transfer the rolled poli to the pan.
10. When one side gets browned, turn it over and cook the other side.
11. Once the second side gets browned, then turn it over and apply ghee.
12. cook the puran poli on both sides with lots of ghee.
13. You can serve puran poli warm or at room temperature with milk, ghee or curd (yogurt).

Serving Suggestions

Serve it hot with some more ghee poured over. You can serve puran poli warm or at room temperature with milk, ghee, or curd (yogurt). You can serve it for breakfast, snacks, or dessert post-meals. It is served with hot milk flavored with cardamom and saffron.

It can be served along with katachi amti (a spicy side dish made using the water left after cooking the dal) and khaman kakdi which is a refreshing salad made using cucumbers.

Piping hot poli served along with a dollop of ghee is so drool-worthy that I cannot express my feelings in words.

Storage Suggestions

These can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Refrigerate the Puran Poli in an airtight container. Simply griddle it up and add additional ghee before serving.

These can be frozen and sandwiched between pieces of parchment or butter paper. Following that, store in zip-top bags and freeze for up to six months. Keep the frozen poli immediately on a hot griddle to reheat. Add extra ghee, then heat until the food is warm and crunchy.

Tips and Variations

• Firstly, cook the dal until it turns soft yet holds the shape.
• While rolling the puran poli, be careful.
• Knead the dough to a soft consistency. It should be like chapati dough.
• also, mash the dal really smoothly, or else it will be difficult to roll. you can alternatively, grind the dal in mixi for a smooth consistency.
• You can use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour to make the dough too.
• Apply ghee on the poli only when the brown spots appear. It will make it crispy.

FAQs

1. What is Puran Poli?

Puran Poli is a popular sweet delicacy from Maharashtra, India. It is a flatbread made with a filling of chana dal (split Bengal gram) and jaggery, encased within a soft wheat dough. The dish is often enjoyed during festivals, family gatherings, and special occasions.

2. How is Puran Poli different from regular Poli or Roti?

The main difference lies in the filling. While regular Poli or Roti is typically made with simple wheat flour, Puran Poli has a sweet and aromatic filling made from chana dal and jaggery. The addition of these ingredients gives Puran Poli its distinct sweet and nutty taste.

3. Can I make Puran Poli without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chana dal without a pressure cooker. Soak the chana dal in water for a few hours to soften it. Then, boil it in a pot with water until it becomes tender. Drain the excess water before using the chana dal for the filling.

4. Is Puran Poli a healthy dessert option?

While Puran Poli is undoubtedly delicious, it is a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. The filling contains jaggery, which is a natural sweetener, and chana dal, which is a good source of protein and fiber. However, it is still a calorie-dense dessert due to the presence of ghee and jaggery. For those with dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s best to consume it in small quantities.

5. Can I store Puran Poli for later consumption?

Yes, you can store Puran Poli for a few days. Once cooked, let the Puran Poli cool down completely. Then, store it in an airtight container or wrap it in a foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it before serving to enjoy its softness and flavors.

6. Can I freeze Puran Poli?

Yes, you can freeze Puran Poli for longer storage. After cooking, let the Puran Poli cool completely. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Puran Poli can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave before serving.

7. Can I make Puran Poli with a gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can make Puran Poli using gluten-free flour, such as rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. However, the dough’s texture and consistency may differ slightly from the traditional wheat-based Puran Poli. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used in the filling are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion: 

Now that you’ve successfully prepared the delightful Puran Poli, it’s time to indulge in its rich flavors and heavenly taste. Serve the warm Puran Poli with a dollop of ghee or enjoy it as it is. This traditional Maharashtrian delicacy is perfect for festive celebrations, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day