Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a very popular festive treat which generally has a jaggery, channa dal, coconut filling and tastes delicious!! This recipe may look elaborate but once the dough and the filling are prepared, each poli takes approximately 3 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients to make approximately 20 Polis

For the Dough

1 Cup of Plain Flour
1 Cup Wheat Flour
1 Cup of Warm Water (just enough to mix into a soft dough)
2 Tsp Oil (to add to the dough)
4 Tbs Oil (in a bowl to be used  as a dip to prepare the poli)
Oil (for shallow frying)

Ingredients for the filling

1 Cup Channa Dal
¼ Cup Water
¾ – 1 Cup Powdered Jaggery
2 Tbs Freshly Grated Coconut
½ Tsp Cardomom Powder

Preparation of the dough

Mix the flour and add the warm water little by little
Knead the mixture to make a firm but soft dough
Add the 2 teaspoons of oil and mix the dough
Divide the dough into very small sized balls

Preparation of the Filling

Pressure cook the channa dal with the water
When the channa dal is cooled, add the jaggery, coconut to it and grind it into a soft mixture
The filling has to be a soft solid mixture
Stir in the cardamom powder and keep the filling aside

Preparation of the Poli

Smear a bit of oil on a baking sheet or a banana leaf and place the dough on it.
Gently pat the dough with the four fingers (other than the thumb), extending the dough on all sides to 5 centimetres in diameter
Place a small ball sized filling in the centre of the dough
Close the filling by bringing the dough from all sides to the centre.
Lightly dip the four fingers into the bowl of oil and gently but swiftly pat the dough with the filling inside extending it on all sides to about 10 centimetres in diameter to a circular shape

In a flat pan add a drop of oil and gently slide the poli ensuring that it is cooked on a medium flame
When the bottom side of the poli is golden brown, turn it with a flat ladle to the other side
Add half a teaspoon of oil around the poli
The Poli is done when the other side turns golden brown as well

Note: Polis are served hot or cold
If the filling is semi solid or liquid, stir in the filling in an empty pan on a low flame till is solidifies