Introduction

 

Ah, the aroma of Puran Poli wafting through the kitchen always brings back fond memories for me. There's something magical about this traditional Maharashtrian delicacy that never fails to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Let me take you back to a time when I first discovered the art of making Puran Poli. It was during a Gudi Padwa celebration, surrounded by family and friends, that I experienced the joy of rolling out these delectable stuffed flatbreads. The laughter, the chatter, and the warmth of the festival filled the air as we gathered around the kitchen, each taking turns to perfect our Puran Polis. It was a bonding experience like no other, and ever since that day, Puran Poli has held a special place in my heart.

 

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Recipe of Gudi Padwa Special Puran Poli

 

Ingredients:

 

For Puran:

• 2 cups Chana dal, soaked
• Water, as required
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 1/2 tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 cup Oil
• 1 cup Jaggery
• 1 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp Ghee
• 2 tbsp Roasted garlic & ginger
• 1/4 cup Roasted coconut
• 2 Green chillies
• 1/2 cup Roasted onion
• Handful of Coriander
• 1 tbsp Tamarind
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 Black cardamom
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 5-6 Cloves
• 10-12 Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Dagad phool
• 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
• 1/2 tbsp Garam masala

For Dough:

• 1 cup Refined flour
• 1 cup Wheat flour
• 1/4 cup Rice flour
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup Oil
• Water, as required

For Katachi Amti:

• Drained dal stock
• Remaining coarse dal
• 2 tbsp Roasted ginger-garlic-onion-coconut mixture
• 2 Green chillies
• Handful of Coriander
• 1 tbsp Tamarind
• 1 tbsp Jaggery
• 1/2 tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
• 1 tbsp Garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp Oil
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 Black cardamom
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 5-6 Cloves
• 10-12 Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Dagad phool

 

Instructions:

 

Dough Preparation:

• Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine refined flour, wheat flour, rice flour, salt, oil, and water to form a soft dough.
• Rest the Dough: Let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into small portions.
• 

Katachi Amti:

• Cook the Dal: In a pressure cooker, cook soaked chana dal with salt, water, turmeric powder, and oil for 3-4 whistles. Drain the excess dal stock and set aside.
• Prepare the Paste: In a mixer jar, grind roasted ginger-garlic-onion-coconut mixture, green chillies, coriander, and water to make a paste.
• Cook the Paste: Heat oil in a pan, add bay leaf, black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, dagad phool, and let them crackle. Add the paste and sauté.
• Add Spices and Dal: Add red chilli powder, salt, turmeric powder, and cook. Pour in the dal stock, leftover coarse dal, and boil.
• Finish the Amti: Add jaggery, tamarind, and cook. Finally, add chopped coriander and garam masala. Katachi Amti is ready.

Puran:

• Cook the Dal: Cook soaked chana dal with water, salt, and turmeric powder until soft.
• Add Jaggery: Add jaggery and cook until it melts. Mash the dal with a masher until dry and thick.
• Season the Puran: Add cardamom powder and mix well. Strain the mixture to remove any dal granules. Cool it down.
• 

Puran Poli:

• Prepare the Poli: Take a portion of dough, add puran mixture, and seal it.
• Roll and Cook: Roll it into a flat circle on a floured surface. Cook on a hot pan until golden brown on both sides.
• Finish the Poli: Apply ghee on top. Puran Poli is ready.
• 

Serve: Serve hot Puran Poli with Katachi Amti.

 

Enjoy your Gudi Padwa celebration with this delicious Puran Poli recipe!

 

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About the Recipe

 

Puran Poli, a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy, holds a significant place in festive celebrations, especially during Gudi Padwa. This sweet flatbread is made with a filling of chana dal, jaggery, and aromatic spices, encased in a soft, thin layer of dough. The process of making Puran Poli involves skillful stuffing and rolling, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Its rich flavors and textures make it a favorite among both young and old alike, symbolizing joy, togetherness, and tradition.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

• Ensure that the chana dal is cooked to perfection, soft and mushy, to achieve the desired texture of the filling.
• Knead the dough for Puran Poli until it is smooth and pliable, allowing for easy rolling and shaping.
• Keep the size of the rolled-out dough consistent to ensure uniform cooking and a balanced ratio of filling to dough.
• Cook Puran Poli on a medium-hot griddle, flipping occasionally until both sides are golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve Puran Poli warm with a dollop of ghee for an authentic and indulgent experience.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Puran Poli pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and adding depth to the overall dining experience. Here are a few pairing suggestions:

• Enjoy Puran Poli with a generous serving of homemade ghee for a traditional touch.
• Pair it with a refreshing glass of chilled yogurt or buttermilk to balance the sweetness of the dish.
• For a festive feast, serve Puran Poli alongside other Maharashtrian delicacies such as Batata Bhaji and Amti.
• Complete the meal with a slice of ripe mango or a bowl of shrikhand for a delightful dessert spread.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Puran Poli

 

1. What is Puran Poli? Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling made from chana dal, jaggery, and spices.

2. Is Puran Poli only eaten during festivals? While Puran Poli is commonly prepared during festivals like Gudi Padwa, it is also enjoyed as a special treat on other occasions and celebrations.

3. Can I make Puran Poli without using jaggery? While jaggery adds sweetness and flavor to Puran Poli, you can substitute it with sugar if desired.

4. How do I store leftover Puran Poli? Store leftover Puran Poli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.

5. Can I freeze Puran Poli? Yes, you can freeze Puran Poli for longer storage. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

6. What are some variations of Puran Poli? Variations of Puran Poli include adding grated coconut to the filling, using different types of lentils like moong dal, or incorporating flavors like cardamom and nutmeg.

7. Is Puran Poli vegan-friendly? Puran Poli can be made vegan-friendly by substituting ghee with oil or vegan butter in the dough and cooking process.

8. Can I make Puran Poli ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling for Puran Poli ahead of time and assemble them when ready to cook. This saves time and allows for easy meal planning during busy days.

9. What is the significance of Puran Poli in Maharashtrian culture? Puran Poli holds cultural significance in Maharashtrian households, symbolizing auspiciousness, prosperity, and familial bonds, especially during festive occasions.

10. Can I serve Puran Poli with savory dishes? While Puran Poli is traditionally sweet, some people enjoy pairing it with savory accompaniments like spicy curries or pickles for a unique flavor experience.

 

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