Coconut Jaggery Puran Poli (South Indian Sweet Flatbread)

South Indian Puran Poli Recipe with Coconut (Obbattu/Bobbattu)

This delightful South Indian delicacy, known as Poli, Obbattu, or Bobbattu, brings the flavors of the festive season right to your kitchen. These sweet flatbreads are filled with a luscious coconut, jaggery, and chana dal mixture, and served hot with a smear of ghee, making it a cherished treat in many South Indian households during festivals.

Ingredients

Preparation and Cooking Details

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and turmeric powder.
2. Gradually add water, kneading the mixture until it forms a firm, smooth dough.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil, and knead once more to coat the dough. This helps keep it smooth and manageable.
4. Cover the dough and set it aside to rest while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling (Puran)

1. In a medium saucepan, cook the chana dal with 1 1/2 cups of water until it softens completely. Drain any excess water and set aside the cooked dal.
2. In a separate pan, heat a spoonful of ghee over medium heat. Add the jaggery and stir gently until it dissolves entirely.
3. Add the cooked chana dal, grated coconut, and cardamom powder to the melted jaggery mixture. Stir continuously, allowing the ingredients to combine well.
4. Keep cooking the filling until it thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. This ensures the filling will hold together when stuffed into the dough.
5. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Poli

1. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Similarly, divide the cooled filling (puran) into 12 portions.
2. Lightly flour a clean surface for rolling. Take one portion of dough and roll it out to approximately a 3-inch diameter circle.
3. Place a portion of the puran in the center of the dough circle.
4. Bring the edges of the dough together, folding them over the filling to cover it entirely. Pinch any open edges to ensure the filling is well-sealed.
5. Flatten the stuffed dough slightly and dust it lightly with flour. Roll it gently into a 5-6 inch diameter circle, taking care not to apply too much pressure.

Step 4: Cook the Poli

1. Preheat an iron skillet or tawa on medium-high heat.
2. Place the rolled poli on the skillet. Cook until it turns golden brown on one side, then flip it to cook the other side until equally golden.
3. Brush with ghee while cooking, enhancing its rich flavor.
4. Repeat the process for the remaining dough and filling portions.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the hot South Indian Puran Poli with a dollop of ghee on top. It’s perfect as a festive treat or for any special family occasion.

Enjoy the soft, sweet goodness of homemade Puran Poli!