Puris

Authentic Puris Recipe from India - Fresh Flour, Salt, Ghee & Water

Region / culture: India | Servings: 18 puris |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Puris are a popular Indian fried bread that are enjoyed as a breakfast or snack item. They are made from a simple dough of wholemeal flour, salt, oil, and water. Puris are typically served with a side of curry or chutney, making them a versatile and delicious dish.

History

Puris have been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and have since spread to other parts of the world. Puris are often made during festivals and special occasions, as they are considered a special treat.

Ingredients

2.5 cups (375 g) wholemeal flour
a pinch of salt
1 tbsp ghee or oil
1 cup (250 ml) water

How to prepare

Sift the flour and salt together.
Using your fingertips, rub the ghee or oil into the flour mixture.
Gradually add water to the mixture until a firm dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and set it aside for 50 minutes.
Divide the dough into 18 equal portions and roll each portion into a 14 cm (5.5 inches) circle.
Heat 3 cm (1.25 inch) of oil in a deep frying pan until it reaches a moderate temperature.
Fry each dough circle one at a time, spooning oil over it until it puffs up and swells.
Cook each side of the dough circle until it turns golden brown.
Drain the fried dough circles on paper towels and serve immediately.

Variations

Add spices like cumin or coriander to the dough for extra flavor.
Use different types of flour, such as all-purpose or gluten-free flour, for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough well to ensure a smooth texture.

- Fry the puris in hot oil to ensure they puff up and cook evenly.

- Serve the puris immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve puris with a side of curry, chutney, or yogurt for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Fry the puris in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of ghee for a vegan version.

- Use all-purpose flour instead of wholemeal flour for a lighter texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for puris ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve puris on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or spices for an attractive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Puris pair well with dishes like chana masala, aloo sabzi, or dal for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Puris are best served fresh and hot, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of puris contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of puris contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of puris contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of puris contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Puris are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Puris contain gluten from the wholemeal flour, so they are not suitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

Puris are a high-carb and moderate-fat dish that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Puris are a delicious and versatile Indian fried bread that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can make this classic dish at home for a tasty and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My mother had passed down her love of cooking to me, and I spent many hours in the kitchen with her, learning her recipes and techniques.

One day, a neighbor came over to our house with a basket of fresh vegetables and a handful of spices. She told my mother that she was going to teach her how to make a special dish called puris. I had never heard of puris before, but I was excited to learn something new.

The neighbor showed us how to mix the dough for the puris, using flour, water, and a pinch of salt. She kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic, then let it rest for a few minutes. While the dough was resting, she heated a pot of oil on the stove.

Once the oil was hot, the neighbor rolled out the dough into small circles and carefully dropped them into the oil. The puris sizzled and puffed up, turning a golden brown color. The neighbor quickly flipped them over with a slotted spoon, then removed them from the oil and placed them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the excess oil.

I watched in amazement as the puris came out perfect and crispy, with just the right amount of salt and spice. The neighbor explained that puris were a traditional Indian bread, often served with curries or chutneys. She showed us how to make a simple potato curry to go with the puris, and we sat down to eat a delicious meal together.

From that day on, puris became a staple in our household. I practiced making them every chance I got, until I had mastered the art of rolling and frying them to perfection. I experimented with different fillings and flavors, adding my own twist to the traditional recipe.

Over the years, I have shared my love of puris with my own family and friends. I have passed down the recipe to my children and grandchildren, teaching them the same techniques and tricks that I learned so long ago. I have even adapted the recipe to suit my new home in America, using local ingredients and flavors to create a fusion of Indian and western cuisine.

But no matter how much the recipe may change, the memory of that first day learning to make puris will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the beginning of a lifelong passion for cooking and sharing delicious meals with the ones I love. And for that, I am forever grateful.