Poori Recipe | How to make Puri?

Puri, also known as Poori, is a delicious Indian paratha that has been enjoyed for generations in homes across the country. Made with whole wheat flour and deep fried till puffed, pooris are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and have a unique taste and texture that is unlike any other bread.

Puri is a versatile food that can be served with a variety of vegetarian and dishes, making it a popular accompanying meal at any time of the day. Served for breakfast, lunch or dinner, poori has become a staple in many households, and is also a popular street food and festival food.

In this article we will discuss the nutritional benefits of this popular Indian bread along with the ingredients and method of making the perfect puri. We’ll also share some serving tips and discuss health considerations and hygiene concerns associated with buying puris from street vendors. So let’s get started and learn how to make delicious and healthy puris at home!

The ingredients required to make puri are as follows:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp oil or ghee

3/4 cup water (approx)

The main ingredient for making puri is wheat flour. It is a healthier option than refined flour as it is higher in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the bread, while oil or ghee is added to make the dough soft and pliable. Water is gradually added to the flour to make a smooth and elastic dough that is easy to roll.

Some forms of puri may also include additional ingredients such as carom seeds, cumin, or chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro. These ingredients add flavor and depth to the bread and can be added according to personal preference.

Here’s how to make the perfect poori:

In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt.

Add oil or ghee and mix till it becomes like coarse crumbs.

Add water gradually and knead until you make a smooth and elastic dough. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not too sticky.

Cover the dough with a wet cloth and keep it for at least 10-15 minutes.

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.

Make small balls of equal size from the dough. With the help of a rolling pin, roll each ball into a round shape. The circles should be about 3-4 inches in diameter.

When the oil becomes hot, carefully put a poori in the oil. Using a slotted spoon, press the puri gently so that it puffs up. Fry the poori till it turns golden brown from both the sides, then take it out from the oil with the help of a spoon.

Place the puri on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.

And all! With these simple steps, you can make delicious and perfectly puffed pooris .

Here are some serving suggestions for puri:

Curries: Puri is often served with both vegetarian curries. Some popular curries that pair well with puris include chana masala, aloo curry, paneer butter masala and chicken curry.

Scrambled Paneer: Another popular dish that is often served with puri is scrambled paneer. It is made by frying crumbled paneer (Indian paneer) with onions, tomatoes and spices.

Pickles and Chutneys: Puri can also be served with various pickles and chutneys like mango pickle, mint chutney or tamarind chutney. These add a tangy and flavourful element to the dish.

Curd: Poori can also be served with curd. It helps to balance the spice level in the curry and adds a cool and refreshing element to the dish.

Masala Puri: For a more spicy and flavourful version of Puri, you can try making Masala Puri. It is made by adding spices like cumin, coriander and red chili powder to the dough before rolling and frying.

Remember that poori is a versatile bread that can be served with a variety of dishes. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and try different combinations to find your favorite pairing!

Here are some health-related considerations to keep in mind while consuming puri:

High calorie content: Poori is a deep fried bread and is high in calories. Regular consumption of poori in large quantities can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

Low in nutrients: Although whole wheat flour is a healthier option than maida, puris do not contain significant amounts of nutrients. It is important to eat puri in moderation and pair it with other nutritious dishes.

Hygiene concerns: Pooris sold by hawkers may not always be prepared under hygienic conditions. To avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses, it is important to ensure that the puri you eat has been prepared in a clean and safe environment.

Allergies and sensitivities: Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients used in puri such as wheat, oil or spices. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, it is important to be cautious and avoid consuming puris containing these ingredients.

Cooking method: The deep-frying method used to prepare pooris can also be a health concern. Regularly consuming deep-fried foods may increase your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

Overall, pooris can be enjoyed as part of a balanced and healthy diet. It’s important to pay attention to portion sizes, cooking methods, and hygiene concerns to make sure you’re consuming puris in a safe and healthy way.

Here are some street food related things to keep in mind while consuming puri:

Hygiene and Safety: Pooris sold by street vendors may not always be prepared in hygienic conditions, and the ingredients used may not be fresh. To avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses, it is important to ensure that the puri you eat has been prepared in a clean and safe environment.

Contamination: Pooris and other street food are often prepared and sold in the open air, increasing the risk of contamination. It is important to make sure the food is covered and protected from dirt, insects, and other contaminants.

Cross-contamination: Cross-contamination can occur when different foods are prepared using the same utensils or cooking equipment. This may be a concern for people with food allergies or sensitivities. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, it is important to ask the vendor if the food is prepared separately or if there is a risk of cross-contamination.

Quality of ingredients: Pooris sold by street vendors may use substandard ingredients or adulterated food ingredients. It is important to be cautious and ensure that the ingredients used are fresh and of good quality.

Cooking methods: The deep-frying method used to prepare pooris can also be a health concern. Regularly consuming deep-fried foods may increase your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

It is important to keep these things in mind while consuming street food, which includes puris. While street food can be delicious and enjoyable, it is important to ensure that it is prepared and sold in a safe and hygienic manner to avoid any health risks.

Conclusion

lastly, puri is a popular indian bread that is loved by many people across the world. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of curries, pickles, chutneys and other side dishes. While puri is delicious and enjoyable, it is important to consume it in moderation and take care of its health considerations. Puris are high in calories, low in nutrients, and are often prepared using deep-frying methods, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Additionally, when consuming puri from street vendors, it is important to ensure that it is prepared and sold in a safe and hygienic manner to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses. Keeping these points in mind, you can enjoy poori as part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Here are some tips for making perfect pooris at home:

• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh flour, oil and water to make the poori fluffy and soft.
• Knead the dough well: Proper kneading is important to get the right texture for the puri. Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
• Rest the dough: After kneading the dough, let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps in relaxing the gluten and makes the puri easier to roll.
• Roll out the dough evenly: Roll out the poori dough evenly into a round shape, neither too thin nor too thick. Use a rolling pin and dust the dough with flour to prevent it from sticking.
• Heat the oil properly: Heat the oil in a deep pan on medium heat. To check whether the oil is hot enough or not, put a small piece of dough in the oil. If it cracks on the surface, then the oil is ready.
• Fry the puri until it turns golden brown: Put the puri in hot oil and make the puri puffed up by pressing lightly with a spoon. Fry till golden brown from both the sides.
• Remove excess oil: Remove the puri from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
• By following these tips, you can easily make delicious and fluffy pooris at home that will impress your family and friends.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the complete recipe:

• Q: What is Puri?
• Answer: Puri is a traditional Indian bread made from whole wheat flour which is deep fried till it becomes puffy, crisp and golden brown in colour.
• Question: How do I make pooris at home?
• Answer: To make puri at home, you need to prepare the dough using wheat flour, salt, water and oil. Knead the dough well, after it has set, roll it into a round shape, fry in hot oil till it turns golden brown.
• Question: Can I make pooris without flour?
• Answer: The traditional flour for making poori is wheat flour, but you can also use maida or a combination of both to make it.
• Q: How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying pooris?
• Answer: You can drop a small piece of dough into the oil to see if the oil is hot enough. If it cracks on the surface, then the oil is ready.
• Question: How can I make my pooris puffy?
• Answer: To make puffy puris, it is necessary to knead the dough well and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. Also, keep in mind that the oil is hot enough and fry the puris till they puff up.
• Q: What are some common dishes served with puri?
• A: Puri is often served with various curries, such as chana masala, aloo gobi, or saag paneer. It can also be served with chutney or pickle.
• Question: Can I make the puris ahead of time?
• Answer: Yes, you can make the puri ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. But, freshly fried poori tastes best.