Puran Poli – The Festive Sweet of Maharashtra

No Maharashtrian festival is complete without the golden, soft, and delicious Puran Poli. Traditionally prepared during Holi, Gudi Padwa, and Diwali, this sweet flatbread is filled with a rich mixture of lentils, jaggery, and spices. More than just a dessert, Puran Poli is an emotion that connects families and traditions across generations.

What is Puran Poli?

Puran Poli is a stuffed Indian flatbread made with a filling of chana dal (Bengal gram) and jaggery (gur), flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. The outer cover (called poli) is made of wheat flour or a mix of wheat and all-purpose flour. When roasted on a tawa with ghee, the poli becomes soft and slightly crisp, with the sweet filling melting in every bite.

It is enjoyed with a drizzle of ghee and sometimes paired with warm milk or katachi amti (a thin spicy dal curry made from leftover stock).

Ingredients for 8–10 Puran Poli

For the Dough (Poli):

• Whole wheat flour – 1 cup

• All-purpose flour (maida) – 1/2 cup

• Salt – a pinch

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Water – as required (for kneading)

  
  

For the Filling (Puran):

• Chana dal (Bengal gram) – 1 cup

• Jaggery (grated) – 1 cup

• Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp

• Nutmeg powder – 1/4 tsp (optional, but traditional)

• Ghee – 1 tbsp

  
  

For Cooking:

• Ghee – as needed for roasting

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough

• Mix wheat flour, maida, salt, and oil.

• Add water gradually and knead into a soft, pliable dough.

• Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30–40 minutes.

  
  

2. Cook the Filling (Puran)

• Wash and cook chana dal in water until soft (but not mushy). Drain excess water (save it for katachi amti).

• Mash or grind the dal coarsely.

• In a pan, add dal, jaggery, and ghee. Stir continuously on low heat until jaggery melts and blends with dal.

• Cook until mixture thickens and leaves sides of the pan.

• Add cardamom and nutmeg. Cool completely before stuffing.

  
  

3. Assemble & Roll

• Divide dough and filling into equal portions.

• Roll out a small disc of dough, place filling inside, and seal edges.

• Gently roll into a flat roti (use dry flour if sticky).

  
  

4. Roast

• Heat a tawa and roast poli on medium flame, applying ghee on both sides, until golden spots appear.

  
  

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a drizzle of ghee.

• Pair with warm milk or katachi amti for a traditional Maharashtrian touch.

Cultural Significance

In Maharashtra, Puran Poli is a symbol of prosperity and celebration. It’s the centerpiece of festive meals and is offered as naivedya (holy food) to deities before being shared with family.

Final Thoughts

Soft, sweet, and rich in flavor, Puran Poli is more than just a sweet dish – it’s a tradition that unites families during festivals. If you’ve never tried making it at home, this recipe will help you create an authentic Maharashtrian experience right in your kitchen.