Holi 2025: How to Make Soft and Authentic Maharashtrian Puran Poli at Home for Holika Dahan

Holi is celebrated throughout India with regional variations. In Maharashtra, the two-day celebration begins with Holika Dahan, a traditional bonfire. During the puja, Maharashtrians offer Puran Poli, a flatbread filled with a sweet lentil and jaggery mixture, as Naivedya. While seemingly simple, Puran Poli is a challenging dish to prepare, though it can be simplified with the right techniques.

Making perfect Puran Poli involves creating a soft and elastic dough for the outer covering and a smooth, sweet filling. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieve this traditional Maharashtrian sweet dish:

Ingredients  For the Dough:

1. 2 cups whole wheat flour
2. ½ cup all-purpose flour (maida)
3. ¼ teaspoon salt
4. ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
5. 2 tablespoons hot ghee
6. Water (approximately 1 cup)
7. For the Puran (Filling):
8. 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
9. 2 ½ cups water
10. ½ teaspoon ghee
11. Cardamom powder and nutmeg for flavor

Instructions Prepare the Puran (Filling):

1. Cook the Chana Dal:
2. Rinse 1 cup of chana dal and cook it in a pressure cooker with 2 ½ cups of water and ½ teaspoon of ghee until it's soft.
3. Mash and Cook:
4. Mash the cooked dal and cook it in a pan until it thickens. Add sugar or jaggery to taste.
5. Check Consistency:
6. Insert a spoon vertically into the puran; if it stands upright, it's ready. If not, continue cooking until it reaches the right consistency.

Add Flavors: Once the puran is ready, add cardamom powder and freshly grated nutmeg. Mix well.

Also Read: Holi 2025: Know Why Do We Offer Puran Poli as Naivedya for Holika Dahan and Story Behind it

2. Prepare the Dough:
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a large bowl.

Add Ghee and Water: Add 2 tablespoons of hot ghee and mix well. Gradually add water (about 1 cup) and knead to form a soft dough.

Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

3. Assemble and Roll Puran Poli:
Divide Dough and Puran: Divide both the dough and puran into equal portions (6-12 depending on desired size).

Shape the Dough: Flatten each dough ball slightly into a disk. Dust with dry flour if needed.

Add Filling: Place a puran ball in the center of each dough disk. Gather the edges and seal them by pinching.

Roll the Poli: Dust with dry flour and roll each filled dough ball into a circle of about 8-10 inches in diameter. Ensure the edges are thinner than the center.

4. Cook the Puran Poli:
Heat a Tawa: Place a tawa or skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Poli: Place a puran poli on the tawa. Cook until one side is lightly browned, then flip and cook the other side until it's also browned.

Apply Ghee: Once both sides are cooked, apply some ghee on top.

Tips for Perfect Puran Poli: Dough Elasticity: Ensure the dough is soft and elastic by kneading it well.

Puran Consistency: The puran should be smooth and not too runny or thick.

Equal Portions: Keep the dough and puran portions equal for consistent taste and texture.

Rolling: Roll the poli gently to avoid tearing the dough.

By following these steps and tips, you can create delicious and perfect Puran Poli at home.