Nagori Puri Recipe (Pure Semolina)
Nagori Puri is a delightful North Indian snack that is both crispy and soft, making it a perfect addition to any lunch or special meal. This traditional deep-fried puri is made with semolina (sooji), a dash of cumin seeds, and rich ghee, resulting in a flavor-packed, light, and airy poori. The best part is, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic dish for busy days when you want to serve something comforting yet unique. You can pair Nagori Puri with a simple potato curry, vegetable kurma, or even indulge in a sweet treat by serving it alongside sooji halwa or kesari.
This version of puri offers a twist on the classic, adding a warm, nutty flavor from the semolina and the aromatic fragrance of ghee. Perfect for family meals or festive occasions, Nagori Puri is sure to impress with its crisp edges and soft centers that puff up beautifully when fried.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Serving Size: 4-5 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sooji (Semolina/ Rava) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | As required (for kneading) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For deep frying |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: Start by sifting the whole wheat flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the sooji (semolina), salt, and cumin seeds. Pour in the melted ghee and mix the ingredients well. Use your hands to rub and blend everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly and well incorporated.
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Knead the Dough: Gradually add water, little by little, while kneading the dough. Aim to create a stiff but smooth dough, similar to the consistency of dough used for regular puris. The dough should not be too soft or too hard. Once you have the right texture, cover the dough and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
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Shape the Puris: Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls (about 10-12 balls). Using a rolling pin, gently roll each ball into a thin, round circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Be sure to apply light pressure while rolling to avoid tearing the dough.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or wok, heat enough oil for deep frying. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it rises to the surface immediately, the oil is at the right temperature (medium heat).
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Fry the Nagori Puris: Once the oil is hot, gently drop one rolled puri at a time into the oil. Allow the puri to puff up and become golden brown on both sides. Flip the puri carefully to ensure even frying. Fry each puri for about 2-3 minutes, or until it is golden and crisp. Be mindful not to overcook, as you want the puris to stay soft on the inside but crisp on the outside.
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Drain and Serve: Once the puris are fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Fry the remaining puris in the same manner, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve the freshly fried Nagori Puri hot with a side of Gujarati Lasaniya Batata (spicy potato curry) and Palak Raita (spinach yogurt raita) for a perfect, traditional North Indian lunch. Alternatively, pair these puris with a sweet treat like sooji halwa or kesari for a delightful meal.
Tips for Perfect Nagori Puri:
- Consistency of Dough: Make sure the dough is not too soft. A stiff dough will help the puris puff up beautifully when fried.
- Frying Temperature: Maintaining the correct temperature while frying is essential to get a crispy puri. If the oil is too hot, the puris may burn before they puff up, and if the oil is too cool, the puris will turn soggy.
- Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes after kneading. This helps the gluten relax and results in a softer texture for the puris.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 kcal (varies based on oil absorption) |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~150mg |
Enjoy this crispy, savory delight that will bring the flavors of North India right to your table!
