Puran Poli is a beloved sweet flatbread that is a specialty not just in Maharashtra but also holds cultural significance in regions like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, with slight variations in preparation. It is particularly popular during festivals and special occasions.
Puran Poli (Maharashtrian Style)
- Description: Puran Poli is a sweet, stuffed flatbread made with a filling called puran, typically made from chana dal (split Bengal gram) cooked with jaggery, and flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, and ghee. The dough is prepared from wheat flour or a mix of wheat and all-purpose flour. It is rolled out and cooked on a hot griddle with ghee until golden brown.
Ingredients:
- For Puran (Filling):
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 cup grated jaggery (or sugar)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Ghee for flavor
- For Poli (Outer Dough):
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or a mix of wheat and all-purpose flour)
- Water as needed
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
Method:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Mix flour, salt, and oil/ghee in a bowl.
- Gradually add water and knead into a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Puran (Filling):
- Wash and cook the chana dal until soft but not mushy. Drain excess water and mash or blend the dal to a smooth consistency.
- Heat the mashed dal with jaggery on low flame until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. Add cardamom powder and nutmeg (if using). Let it cool.
- The mixture should be firm enough to make balls.
- Make Puran Poli:
- Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball and place a portion of the puran filling in the center.
- Bring the edges of the dough together to seal the filling and roll out gently into a round flatbread.
- Cook on a heated griddle (tawa) with a little ghee, flipping until both sides are golden brown.
Why it’s Special:
Puran Poli represents the festive spirit and rich culinary tradition of Maharashtra. The combination of lentils and jaggery, enveloped in a thin layer of bread, offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. It is often served with ghee, milk, or even amti (a thin dal preparation).
This dish exemplifies the cultural fusion of flavors and is a testament to India’s diverse culinary heritage.