POLI / PARUPPU POLI

Poli is a very special recipe of my family. Here it is done using Channa dhal. Using coconut, Thengai Poli/ Coconut Poli can be prepared the same way.

INGREDIENTS:

For Outer Layer

Maida - 1 cup

Turmeric - a pinch
Salt - a pinch
Oil
Ghee - for serving

For Filling

Bengal gram - 1/2 cup
Jaggery - 3/4 cup
Cardamom powder - 1 pinch
Salt - a pinch
Dry ginger powder - a pinch

METHOD:

Initial Preparation:

1. In a bowl add Maida, turmeric,salt and  2 to 3 table spoons of  oil and mix well. Add water, knead well and make a soft dough. Add little more oil on the outer surface of the dough, so that it remains soft. Leave it for 30 minutes.

2. In a pressure cooker, add bengal gram, a pinch of salt, little oil and add water 3 times to that of the bengal gram. Oil is added to prevent frothing, since it might block the valve.
3. Pressure cook for 4 whistles on high flame. Allow the pressure to reduce.
4. Drain the water completely and allow the dhal to cool.
5. Take a mixer, add dhal, jaggery, cardamom, dry ginger, salt and whip using the whipper button.
6. Taste for sweetness, if needed add more jaggery.
7. Transfer the contents of the mixer to a bowl and make lemon sized balls.
8. Using the flour dough, make gooseberry sized balls and keep aside.
9. Take a plantain leaf/plastic cover/disposable plate. Add little oil and grease well.
10. Take a flour ball, using  fingers spread into small size poori. Place a ball of stuffing and seal it on all sides using the flour ball.
11. Grease a little oil in fingers, press the stuffed ball into a circle, then using palm, spread the dough evenly along with the filling inside.
12. Heat a tawa, place the poli, cook until well until brown spots appears. No oil is needed.
13. Tasty Poli is ready. Serve warm with a little ghee as topping.

Note:
Avoid artificial food colours, it is better to use a pinch of turmeric.

Instead of Bengal gram, grated coconut can be used and coconut Poli can be made. Grated coconut and jaggery should be heated on a pan until the mix becomes thick and filling balls can be prepared.

After cooking on tawa, allow the poli to cool before transfering to a container.

If it is placed one after another when hot, it may stick together.

Instead of Maida, Wheat flour can be used. But it might not be soft, since maida has a rubbery texture when made into a dough.

• It is a favourite dish of both of my sons, mainly my younger son, who gave his helping hand in doing this recipe