How to Make Puran Poli: Preparation and Recipe

by Rotimatic Team
How to Make Puran Poli: Preparation and Recipe

Popularly prepared in Maharashtra during Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi, and other Indian festivals, Puran Poli is a signature dish that originated in the state of Maharashtra. While it has its variants famous in other states and regions, Puran Poli’s origin lies in Maharashtra. This sweet delicacy can be enjoyed with aloo (potato) sabzi or can be served with a dollop of ghee and plain milk alongside.

Let’s explore more about this Maharashtrian dish, and further read the blog to learn how to make Puran Poli.

What is Puran Poli?

A flatbread stuffed with sweet lentil filling, Puran Poli is a common Maharashtrian dish that consists of Puran – the sweet stuffing inside and Poli – the flatbread. While Puran Poli is sweet in taste, the ingredients inside add a touch of health to it. Throughout the Western and Southern parts of India, you can see slightly different versions of this dish, which contains mainly a variation of a few ingredients. For example, a similar version of Puran Poli in South India, in the Karnataka and Andhra cuisines, is called Obattu or Bobbatlu, where the difference lies in the proportions of flours along with the lentils and spices used.

In the traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, Puran Poli is made from Bengal gram, also known as chana dal. The Puran is made of split and husked chickpeas, which are then spiced with nutmeg, cardamoms, fennel, and ginger and sweetened with jaggery. The Poli is made of whole wheat flour mixed with all-purpose flour (maida). But how is this healthy?

Well, chickpeas are filled with vitamins, protein, folate, and fiber, while whole wheat flour contains minerals, protein, and fiber. Further, you can even add turmeric powder, which contains great anti-inflammatory properties, to add a tinge of yellow color to your Poli. By ditching sugar and replacing it with jaggery, you are already onto a tasty, sweet treat that is on the healthier side.

How to Make Puran Poli?

Below is a list of ingredients and quantities you will need to make Puran Poli:

  • 3 cup Flour: Flour provides the base for the dough, giving the Puran Poli its structure and texture. We have used Aashirvaad Shudh Chakki Atta.
  • 1-2 tbsp Ghee: Ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps make the dough soft and workable.
  • ½ tsp Fennel: Fennel is added to add a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the other spices and sweeteners.
  • ½ tsp Cardamom: Cardamom offers a warm, fragrant spice that enhances the overall taste and aroma of the filling.
  • 1 cup Chickpeas: Chickpeas are the main ingredient in the sweet filling, providing a hearty and nutty flavor.
  • ½ cup Jaggery or Sugar: To sweeten the filling, use jaggery or sugar. It also balances the spices and gives a caramel-like richness.
  • ½ tsp Ginger: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy note that brightens up the flavor of the filling.
  • Pinch of Saffron: Provides a subtle floral flavor and a beautiful golden color to the filling.

Puran Poli Recipe

Step 1: Wash and soak peas in water for 30 minutes. Pressure cook peas with water and saffron for 10 minutes or until soft. Drain the peas. Pulse the peas, fennel, ginger, and cardamom in a blender for 30 seconds or to desired texture. Try it smooth or chunky!

Puran ingredients


Step 2: Warm ghee in a pan on medium low. Cook the blended pea mixture and jaggery/sugar in a pan till it is thick enough. Let the mixture cool and roll it into balls roughly the size of Rotimatic dough balls.

Cook the ingredient mixture


Step 3: Make Puris. Grease your prep area with some ghee. Spread one ball of the filling to the edges of a puri disc.

Filling on the puri disc


Step 4: Place a second puri on top and seal the puran poli. You can use water, water-flour mixture, and/or a fork.

Sealing the puri


Step 5: Rub a thin layer of ghee on both sides and roll the puran poli to even out the filling.

Rolling Puran Poli


Step 6: Add ghee to a skillet over medium and cook the Puran Poli. Flip the Puran Poli when bubbles appear on top and cook for the same amount of time as the other side. Serve warm with your favorite sides!

Puran Poli

Conclusion

Puran Poli is not just a sweet dish that is delicious in taste, it’s also a healthy one if you consider making it with wheat flour and adding jaggery instead of sugar. Further, a little pro tip: adding ghee while roasting the Puran Poli will make it easier for you to digest the lentils used in the filling. Add as much or as little as you want, as per your liking. We hope you enjoy making and eating this sweet delicacy.

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