Maharashtrian Pancake with Spiced Chickpea Filling (Puran Poli)

This Puran Poli is a delicious and unique sweet flatbread recipe from Maharashtra, India. It features a soft wheat flour dough filled with a sweet and spiced chickpea paste.

• Yields: 4-5 Polis
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup ghee, melted (or vegetable oil)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Warm water (as needed)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup boiled chickpeas (split bengal gram)
• 1/4 cup jaggery (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted ghee. Using your fingertips, rub the ghee into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, and knead into a soft and pliable dough. The dough should not be sticky. Place a damp cloth over the dough and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a food processor or grinder, grind the boiled chickpeas into a coarse flour.
• Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground chickpea flour and roast for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden brown.
• Add the jaggery (or brown sugar) and break it into smaller pieces. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and combines with the chickpea flour.
• Reduce heat and add the cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

3. Assemble and Cook the Polis:

• Divide the dough into 4-5 equal balls. Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
• Place a spoonful of the chickpea filling in the center of the dough circle.
• Gather the edges of the dough towards the center, pinching them together to form a semi-closed pouch with the filling enclosed.
• Gently roll out the stuffed dough circle again, making sure the filling is evenly distributed.
• Heat a griddle or tawa over medium heat. Place the stuffed dough circle on the hot griddle.
• Drizzle a little ghee or oil on top of the Poli. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown spots form.
• Flip the Poli and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Gently press down with a spatula to promote uniform cooking.
• Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Serve:

Serve the Puran Polis hot, drizzled with some more ghee or melted butter (optional). You can enjoy them on their own or with a dollop of plain yogurt.

Tips:

• If you don't have jaggery, you can substitute it with brown sugar or maple syrup. However, jaggery adds a unique flavor and caramel notes to the filling.
• You can adjust the amount of jaggery or sugar to your taste preference.
• For a richer flavor, you can add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling.
• Leftover Polis can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan over low heat with a little ghee or oil.
• Puran Poli can be considered a moderately healthy treat, but it's all about moderation and how it's made. Here's a breakdown:

Healthy Aspects:

• Fiber: The filling uses boiled chickpeas, a good source of protein and fiber, which can aid digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
• Whole Wheat: If made with whole wheat flour, the dough provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Spices: Cardamom and nutmeg in the filling have potential anti-inflammatory properties.
• Jaggery (in moderation): Compared to refined sugar, jaggery offers some minerals like iron and potassium. However, it's still a form of sugar.

Less Healthy Aspects:

• High in Calories and Sugar: The combination of ghee, jaggery, and oil used in the recipe makes Puran Poli a calorie-dense food. Enjoy it in small portions.
• Glycemic Index: The use of refined flour and jaggery can contribute to a higher glycemic index, meaning it might cause blood sugar spikes. Opting for whole wheat flour can help mitigate this.

Making it Healthier:

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour (maida) with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce Ghee/Oil: Use a minimal amount of ghee or oil for cooking.
• Portion Control: Enjoy Puran Poli as an occasional sweet treat, not a daily staple.
• Explore Alternatives: Consider using healthier sweeteners like dates or stevia (in moderation) instead of jaggery.
• Overall, Puran Poli can be a part of a healthy diet if enjoyed mindfully and prepared with a focus on whole grains and less added sugar/fats.