Gul Poli Recipe (Maharashtrian Jaggery & Sesame Stuffed Flatbread)
Introduction:
Gul Poli is a quintessential Maharashtrian delicacy, traditionally prepared to celebrate the harvest festival of Makar Sankranti. The sweetness of jaggery and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds come together to create a deliciously warm and nutritious flatbread. On this special occasion, Maharashtrians make this traditional treat along with Tilgul Vadi or Ladoo, all of which symbolize the importance of winter warmth and the harvest. Packed with wholesome ingredients such as jaggery, sesame, and gram flour, Gul Poli not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also helps to keep you energized during the cold winter months.
Gul Poli is cherished for its delightful flavor, which is a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and aromatic, with an extra richness from ghee. This festive flatbread is more than just a treat; it’s a tradition that brings people together, making it an ideal dish to serve during gatherings or family celebrations.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you will need to make Gul Poli at home, along with their quantities.
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lukewarm Water | As required |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jaggery | 3/4 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til) | 2-1/2 tablespoons |
| Poppy Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 2 teaspoons |
| Ghee (for cooking) | As required |
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains sesame seeds, which are a common allergen. If you or someone you’re cooking for has a sesame allergy, you may want to substitute the sesame seeds with an alternative such as sunflower seeds. Additionally, the dough contains wheat, which is gluten-based, so this recipe is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is completely vegetarian as it contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.
- Vegan: You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the ghee with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, this recipe is safe as it does not include any nuts. However, be cautious with any substitutes like sunflower seeds, as they may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan. Pour the hot oil into the well you create in the center of the flour mixture. Stir well to mix.
- Gradually add lukewarm water to form a soft, smooth dough. Knead it well for a few minutes, ensuring it’s pliable.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside to rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period ensures a soft, rollable dough.
Preparing the Filling:
- Grate the jaggery into a mixing bowl and add the cardamom powder. Mix these ingredients together.
- Add 2 teaspoons of warm water to the jaggery and stir until the jaggery dissolves completely, forming a thick consistency. The mixture should be smooth and slightly sticky, not watery.
- In a medium pan, dry roast 2-1/2 tablespoons of sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds on medium heat for about a minute. Once they are roasted, set them aside to cool.
- Grind the roasted sesame and poppy seeds into a fine powder. Add this powder to the jaggery mixture and stir to combine.
- Now, heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan. Add 1-1/2 tablespoons of gram flour and roast it on low heat until it turns golden brown and releases a pleasant roasted aroma. Turn off the heat and let it cool.
- Combine the roasted gram flour with the jaggery-sesame-poppy mixture and mix well. This will form the stuffing for your Gul Poli.
Assembling and Cooking the Gul Poli:
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into small lemon-sized balls.
- On a flat surface, sprinkle a little flour and roll each dough ball into a 3-4 inch diameter circle (like a small poori).
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center of each rolled-out dough circle.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it tightly to prevent the stuffing from spilling out.
- Roll the stuffed dough ball again into a thin circle, being careful not to tear the dough.
- Heat a tawa (griddle) on medium heat. Place the rolled Gul Poli onto the tawa and cook on both sides until golden brown. Use ghee or oil to cook each side, making sure it crisps up perfectly.
- Once cooked, remove the Gul Poli from the tawa and serve hot on a plate.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Gul Poli as a part of your festive meal, topped with extra ghee for added flavor and richness. The warm, sweet, and slightly crispy texture of Gul Poli, combined with the nutritious filling of sesame seeds, jaggery, and gram flour, makes it an irresistible treat. Enjoy it with family and friends during Makar Sankranti or any other special occasion.
Conclusion:
Gul Poli is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a cultural celebration of warmth, harvest, and togetherness. The rich combination of jaggery, sesame, and ghee offers not only a mouthwatering taste but also a source of warmth and energy during chilly winter days. Whether you’re celebrating Makar Sankranti or simply craving a traditional Maharashtrian dish, this Gul Poli recipe is sure to delight your senses and nourish your body.
Let this festive flatbread bring joy to your home, creating fond memories and connections over shared meals. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and celebrate the harvest season with Gul Poli, the perfect sweet flatbread that embodies the spirit of warmth and hospitality!
