Puris or Pooris Deep fried Indian Bread

Puri is an Indian bread very popular in Gujarat.  Its a dish that can be cooked quickly and served up to be eaten hot or cold.  A lot of Indian restaurants in India serve it in the morning with mango pickle or potato curry for breakfast.  Its served as a accompaniment with mango raas, shrikand or just about any curry for lunch or dinner.  Leftover puris are great for breakfast too. Whenever guests arrive unexpectantly for dinner, puris are easy to make to serve with potato curry or with chick peas (Aloo Chole).  The recipe for puris is very simple and can be made plain with just salt or with spices.  I have given the recipe for the plain which uses some salt and tumeric.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 2 cups of chapatti flour (or any strong flour but not plain flour as its too fine)
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• Quarter teaspoon of turmeric (optional)
• 2 teaspoons of oil
• Litre of oil for frying.
• Warm water to make the puri dough.

Method:

1. Sieve the flour in to a mixing bowl and  add  the salt and tumeric.  Make a dip in the flour and add 2 teaspoons of oil.

2.   Using warm water bind the dough – which should be firm but pliable. Mix it well and leave it covered with a tea towel for half an hour.

3. Divide the dough into small flattened balls.

7.  While you are rolling out the Puris or Pooris Deep fried Indian Bread, transfer the oil to a wok or something similar and heat the oil.

8.  Test the oil by dropping a pinch of puri dough in the oil.   If it raises quickly to the top, the oil is ready.

5.  Reduce the heat slightly and start putting the puris in the hot oil one at a time.

6.  Puris or Pooris Deep fried Indian Bread will start to cook and as soon as they fluff up, turn them over, cook  for 30 seconds and remove onto a clean Kitchen paper.

7.   Serve the Puris  hot with any curry or pickle or even yoghurt.

This recipe is exactly like the one followed by my mum and grandmother.  Hope you enjoy making the Puris or Pooris Deep fried Indian Bread.