Recipe - Maharashtrian Style Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet dish that holds a special place in the hearts of people across Maharashtra. It is a flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling made of cooked and sweetened lentils (chana dal), jaggery, and flavored with aromatic spices. Puran Poli is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, and its rich flavors and soft texture make it an irresistible treat. In this article, we will guide you through the preparation and cooking time of making authentic Maharashtrian-style Puran Poli.

Preparation Time: approximately 1 hour
Cooking Time: approximately 30 minutes

Ingredients
For the Outer Dough:

2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
A pinch of salt
Water as needed

For the Sweet Filling (Puran):

1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
1 cup jaggery, grated
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
A pinch of nutmeg powder
A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
1 tablespoon ghee

Method

- Wash the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.

- Drain the soaked chana dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker. Add water and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and cooked.

- Once the pressure is released, drain any excess water from the cooked chana dal.

- Heat a pan over medium heat and add ghee. Add the cooked chana dal to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes.

- Add grated jaggery to the pan and mix well with the chana dal. Continue cooking on low heat until the jaggery melts and blends with the dal.

- Add cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and saffron strands (if using). Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes a smooth filling (puran). Remove from heat and let it cool.

- In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, ghee, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead to form a soft and smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls and the puran into slightly smaller balls.

- Take a portion of the dough and roll it into a small circle. Place a ball of puran in the center and seal the edges by bringing them together and pinching to enclose the filling.

- Dust the filled dough ball with some flour and roll it gently into a round or oval shape, ensuring the puran is evenly distributed within the dough.

- Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat and place the rolled Puran Poli on it. Cook on both sides until golden brown spots appear and the Poli is cooked thoroughly.

- Remove from heat and apply ghee on both sides of the cooked Puran Poli.

- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and puran balls to make more Puran Polis.

- Serve the Maharashtrian-style Puran Poli warm with a drizzle of ghee or enjoy it as it is.