Poli Recipe Wheat Flour Hotel Style Instant Cooking Steps

Poli Recipe Wheat Flour is a traditional Indian flatbread that combines a soft wheat flour covering with a sweet lentil filling made from chana dal and jaggery. This Maharashtrian-style sweet flatbread — often referred to as puran poli, bobbatlu, or holige in various regions — is beloved during festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi, and makes a delightful breakfast, dessert, or festival treat. Authentic recipes typically call for whole wheat flour, lentils, jaggery, and aromatic spices to achieve a perfectly soft and sweet flatbread.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

For The Dough (Outer Wheat Flour Covering)

• 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour (atta) – primary ingredient
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder (optional, for color)
• 2-3 tbsp oil or ghee
• Water as needed to knead (approx. ¾-1 cup)

For The Puran (Sweet Filling)

• 1 cup (200g) chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 cup (150g) jaggery (grated or powdered)
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• ¼ tsp nutmeg powder (optional)
• 2 tsp ghee (clarified butter)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Pressure cooker or Instant Pot
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling board and rolling pin
• Griddle (tawa)
• Spatula and ladle
• Sieve or puran yantra (optional) for mashed dal

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare The Puran Filling (0–60 mins)

1. Rinse 1 cup chana dal thoroughly under running water until water runs clear. Soak for 30 mins if desired to reduce cooking time.
2. Drain soaked dal and add to a pressure cooker with 3 cups water and 1 tsp oil. Cook for 5–6 whistles on medium flame (or pressure cook in Instant Pot for 10 mins on high).
3. Once pressure drops naturally, strain dal through a sieve and retain the stock for later use if desired (e.g., in dals or curries).
4. Transfer cooked dal to a bowl or blender and mash to a smooth consistency. Using a puran yantra or strainer yields the best texture.
5. Heat a heavy pan on medium heat. Add mashed dal, grated jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg powder. Stir continuously until mixture thickens and starts leaving the pan sides (about 15-18 mins).
6. Add 2 tsp ghee and cook for another 2 mins for richness. Switch off heat and let puran cool completely. Divide into 8–10 equal balls.

2. Make The Dough (0–15 mins + rest)

1. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, salt, and turmeric. Mix well.
2. Add 2-3 tbsp oil or ghee and mix with fingers to coat the flour evenly.
3. Gradually add water and knead into a soft, smooth dough (about 5–8 mins). The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 mins.

3. Assemble The Poli (15–25 mins)

1. Divide rested dough into 8–10 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball.
2. Flatten a dough ball into a small disc (≈3-4 inches in diameter). Dust lightly with flour.
3. Place a ball of puran in the center. Bring dough edges together to encase the filling and seal tightly.
4. Dust sealed ball with flour and gently roll into an 8-9 inch circle. Keep thickness moderate to avoid spillage.

4. Cook The Poli (15–20 mins)

1. Heat griddle on medium heat. Place rolled poli on hot surface.
2. When bubbles form, flip to the other side. Drizzle 1 tsp ghee and press lightly with a spatula.
3. Flip again and drizzle more ghee. Cook until golden brown spots appear on both sides.
4. Remove and keep covered in a clean cloth to stay warm. Repeat for remaining polis.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

• If puran seems too grainy, mash further using a puran yantra or pass it through a fine strainer. Smooth puran prevents tearing while rolling.
• Resting the dough is key. It relaxes gluten and helps stretch the wheat flour more easily without cracking. I personally rest mine 45 mins before rolling.
• Using jaggery rather than sugar gives a richer aroma and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the wheat flour.
• Don’t rush cooking the poli. Medium heat ensures even cooking without burning outside and undercooking inside.

Chef’s Notes

Substitutions

• Replace whole wheat flour with a mix of wheat + all-purpose flour (2:1) for softer, stretchier dough.
• For a vegan version, use oil instead of ghee in both dough and filling.
• Nutmeg is optional but adds a delicate fragrance. You can skip if unavailable.

Storage Tips

• Cooked poli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
• Reheat on skillet with a little ghee to restore softness.
• Puran filling can be refrigerated for 3–4 days separately. Freeze up to 1 month.

Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Nutrition values are estimated averages based on similar recipes and ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip jaggery and use sugar?

Yes, but jaggery gives a deeper flavor and nutritional edge. Sugar will make the poli sweeter but lacks that caramel aroma. Understanding Poli Recipe Wheat Flour is essential. Understanding Poli Recipe Wheat Flour is essential.

How do I prevent the poli from cracking?

Ensure the dough is soft and rested. Apply gentle pressure when rolling. Slight cracks can be patched with extra flour and gentle rolling.

Can I make poli without pressure cooker?

Yes. Cook dal in a pot until soft and mash. Instant Pot or stovetop methods work fine.