| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 7g | 3g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 7g | 9g | 0.1g |
About Puran Poli
Welcome to the exquisite taste notes of Puran Poli, a traditional Indian bread born from the heart of Maharashtra, India. This lusciously sweet flatbread is an emblem of several Indian festivals and signifies pure culinary joy. The wholesome, textured layers of Puran Poli promise a heavenly melange of flavors ghee, jaggery, and aromatic spices, encased within a soft, delicate crust. One bite of Puran Poli, and you’ll be transported to a realm where taste, tradition, and textures converge.
A Culinary Trip Down to the Roots of Puran Poli
Historically, Puran Poli has been a revered snack in households of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with an appreciation that has over the years, transcended religious and regional boundaries. Today, it enjoys global fame for the sweet delight that it is. Essentially stuffed Indian bread, the mainstay of Puran Poli lies in its sumptuous filling made from cooked yellow gram and jaggery. This sweet filling, also known as ‘Puran’, is neatly encased within a light and flaky envelope or ‘Poli’ made with a fine combination of whole wheat and refined flour.
Sharing Taste Notes with Other Global Sweet Breads
Puran Poli shares a palatable semblance with several globally adored sweet breads. The well-known Mexican dessert, Empanadas de Leche springs to mind, which boasts a sweet milk cream enveloped in a delicate doughy casing. Similarly, Poland’s beloved Placek also shares the sweetened theme. Though not identical, the essence of joyous indulgence rendered by these breads forms a common thread.
Given its inherently sweet flavor profile, Puran Poli is usually served on its own or with a dollop of ghee making it an absolute delight. However, for those who enjoy a mix of flavors, a spicy, tangy curry like Kadai Paneer or Dal Makahani may prove to be an exciting accompaniment to offset its sweetness.
Traditions are an embodiment of stories and the shared wisdom of generations. When these tales are kneaded into dough, spiced with love, and served on a platter, it results in nothing short of magic. And let’s be clear – a serving of Puran Poli is not merely bread. It’s a package of culture, comfort, and culinary genius. Whether you’re an epicure, a gourmet guru or someone who simply loves to explore world cuisines – Puran Poli is a delicacy that will surely bring a sweet smile to your face.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
- 1/2 cup Refined Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Ghee (Clarified Butter) for dough
- 3/4 cup Jaggery (or brown sugar)
- 1 cup Bengal Gram (split yellow gram, soaked and cooked until soft)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Powder
- Water for Kneading the dough
- Extra Ghee (Clarified Butter) for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the dough for the Puran poli. In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, refined flour, and salt. Add the ghee and blend it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add water bit by bit as you knead the mixture into a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about half an hour.
Step Two
To prepare the filling or ‘puran’, take the cooked Bengal gram and drain off any excess water. Then mash the gram until it’s completely soft. If it’s still a bit coarse, you can use a blender to achieve a finer mixture.
Step Three
In a pan, add the jaggery and the mashed Bengal gram and cook them together at a low flame. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and is well combined with the gram. Add the cardamom and nutmeg powder and mix well. Cook the mixture until it’s thick and then let it cool.
Step Four
Divide the dough into small balls. Similarly, divide the gram and jaggery mixture into equal parts. Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle. Place a portion of the prepared filling in the centre and close the dough around it, sealing the edges securely.
Step Five
Flatten the stuffed dough ball and roll it out gently into a larger circle, similar to a pancake. Heat a tawa or non-stick pan and place the rolled puran poli on it. Cook on a medium flame until it turns golden brown on both sides. Use a spatula to press lightly as it cooks.
Step Six
Remove the cooked puran poli from the pan and brush it with some ghee. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and filling.
Step Seven
Serve the Puran Poli warm with a generous dollop of ghee on top.
