Ingredients:
For the Dough and filling
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- A pinch of salt
- Water, as needed
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 cup jaggery or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder (optional)
- Ghee or oil for roasting
Method:
- Wash the chana dal and then soak it in water for about 2 hours.
- After 2 hours drain the water and pressure cook the chana dal with 2 cups of water for about 2-3 whistles or until it’s soft and well-cooked.
- Once the chana dal is cooked and the pressure has released, open the cooker and check if the dal is soft and not too mushy.
- In a pan, melt ghee over low flame. Add the cooked chana dal and jaggery.
- Fry continuously over low heat until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt, along with nutmeg powder if using. Mix well.
- Once the mixture turns into a thick, non-sticky, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Your filling(puran) is prepared.
- In a mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour, oil or ghee, and a pinch of salt.
- Add water and make soft and smooth dough. The dough should be not too sticky.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- Take one portion of the dough and spread it into a like small circle. Place a portion of the puran in the center of the circle.
- Add all the edges of the dough to cover the puran completely and shape it into a ball.
- Roll out the stuffed ball gently into a thin, circle, using a rolling pin and some dry flour to prevent sticking.
- Heat a tava over medium flame and grease it with some ghee or oil.
- Place the rolled puran poli on the hot tava and cook until it starts to puff up and brown on both sides. Apply a little ghee on both sides while cooking to make it more flavorful and crispy.
- Remove the puran poli from the tava and serve hot. Repeat the same with the remaining dough and puran.
Puran Poli is best enjoyed warm with a dollop of ghee. It’s a popular Maharashtrian delicacy and a perfect sweet treat for festivals and special occasions.