Friday, March 18, 2011

Puran Poli

HOLI SPECIAL ~ Puran Poli!!

One of the major festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of .Any Indian festival is incomplete without grand feast and scrumptious recipes. As Holi is one of the most popular festivals in the country, Holi is also celebrated along with several interesting delicacies. Though the traditional recipes vary from family to family and place to place, one thing that remains the same is the zeal with which these delicacies are prepared for this occasion. Sweets are the vital element of Holi celebrations in any part of India. In fact, the festival of Holi is renowned for the umpteen varieties of sweets prepared on the occasion.There are some universal sweets and dishes that are prepared throughout the length and the breadth in the country on this occasion. One of the most popular desserts of Holi is 'Puran Poli and Gujhia', which is a must for every Indian home during the season. If you are looking for these traditional Holi items, you need not go anywhere else. Anjali’s Kitchen have given the recipe of several traditional Holi special dishes. Hope you enjoy eating them as well as serving them on the festival of Holi.
Puran Poli Recipe



Ingredients:
For the filling:
  • 1 cup chana dal, soaked in water for 4 hours.
  • 1 cup sugar
  • Few saffron strands
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
  • 2tbsp ghee
For the dough:
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 tbsp oil
For the serving:
  • Ghee

For the filling:
1. Wash and pressure cook the dal in 1 1/2 cups of water.
2. Drain any excess water and keep aside.
3. Heat the ghee in a pan, add the dal and sugar and cook till the mixture thickens, stirring continuously.
4. Dissolve the saffron in a little water by rubbing.
5. Add the cardamom and nutmeg powders, saffron liquid and mix well.
6. Cool, divide into 12 to 15 portions and keep aside.
For the dough:
1. Combine the flour and oil and knead into a soft dough using water.
2. Divide into 12 to 15 portions and keep aside.
Method:
1. Roll out one portion of the dough into the size of the palm.
2. Place a portion of the filling mixture and fold the edges of the dough over the filling.
3. Pinch the edges together to seal the filling in.
4. Flatten the dough and roll again into 4" inches circle.
5. Cook on a tava over a medium flame till golden brown in color on both sides.
6. Repeat for the remaining dough and filling.
7. Smear with ghee and serve hot.