KitchenFoodRecipes
08-01-2024
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Puran Poli is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread, popular in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of South India. It is typically made during festivals and special occasions. This delightful dish consists of a sweet lentil filling (puran) encased in a soft, thin dough (poli). Here's how to make Puran Poli at home.
1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
1 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A pinch of nutmeg powder
Water for boiling dal
2 cups whole wheat flour
Water as required to knead the dough
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
Wash and soak chana dal for about an hour. Drain the water.
In a pressure cooker, cook the dal with enough water until it's soft and cooked through.
Drain any excess water and mash the dal while it's still warm.
Add jaggery to the mashed dal and cook on a low flame until the mixture thickens.
Stir in cardamom and nutmeg powder, then set aside to cool. The filling should be thick and pasty.
In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, salt, and oil or ghee.
Gradually add water and knead to form a smooth, pliable dough.
Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
Roll each ball into a small circle, place a portion of the puran (filling) in the center.
Enclose the filling by bringing the edges together and seal it.
Gently roll out the stuffed ball into a flatbread, ensuring the filling doesn't come out.
Heat a griddle or tawa on medium flame.
Place the rolled-out Puran Poli on the griddle and cook until brown spots appear on both sides.
Apply a little ghee on each side while cooking.
Serve the Puran Poli warm with a dollop of ghee on top.
Puran Poli is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the sweet filling complementing the soft bread. It's a comforting dish, perfect for celebrations or as a special treat.
Calories: 250
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 5g
Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread, holds a significant place in Indian culinary tradition, particularly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and some parts of South India. This delicacy is not just food; it's a cultural emblem, often intertwined with festivals and celebrations like Diwali, Gudi Padwa, and Holi. The making of Puran Poli is considered an art, passed down through generations. It symbolizes warmth, affection, and the richness of Indian traditions where food is more than sustenance - it's a celebration. Each region has its unique twist to Puran Poli, reflecting the diversity of Indian cuisine. In Maharashtra, it's typically stuffed with chana dal and jaggery, while in Gujarat, toor dal is used. The essence of Puran Poli lies in its ability to bring families together, serving as a culinary bridge between the past and present.
Energy-Rich: The combination of carbohydrates from the flour and the protein from the lentils makes it an energy-boosting food.
Protein Source: The lentil filling provides a good source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
Iron and Minerals: Jaggery, a key ingredient, is rich in iron and several minerals, beneficial for blood health.
Digestive Health: The spices used, like cardamom and nutmeg, aid in digestion and add to the aromatic flavor.
Traditional Style: Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top.
With Milk: Accompany it with warm milk, flavored with saffron and cardamom.
As a Dessert: Serve it as a dessert with a side of kheer or sweetened yogurt.
Nutrient-Rich Filling: The filling, made from lentils (such as chana dal) and jaggery, is rich in protein, iron, and essential minerals. Lentils are a great source of vegetarian protein, while jaggery is known for its iron content.
Energy Boosting: As a carbohydrate-rich food, Puran Poli provides a good source of energy. This makes it suitable for consumption during festivals or celebrations where a lot of energy is expended.
Digestive Benefits: The spices like cardamom and nutmeg used in Puran Poli not only enhance flavor but also aid in digestion.
Cultural and Emotional Value: Consuming traditional foods like Puran Poli during festivals and special occasions can bring psychological comfort and a sense of belonging.
High Caloric Content: Puran Poli is calorie-dense, primarily due to the use of ghee (clarified butter) in its preparation and the sweet lentil filling. Overconsumption can lead to weight gain.
High Sugar Content: The jaggery, despite being a healthier alternative to refined sugar, still contributes to a high sugar content, which might not be suitable for people with diabetes.
Refined Flour: If made with refined flour instead of whole wheat, it can be low in fiber and nutrients, leading to a quicker spike in blood sugar levels.
Ghee Content: While ghee adds flavor, it is also high in saturated fats. Excessive consumption of ghee can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Gluten Concerns: For individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, the traditional wheat-based dough is not suitable.
