Achari Masala Puri: A Flavorful Indian Breakfast Delight
Achari Masala Puri is a tantalizing, crispy, and flavorful deep-fried bread infused with the aromatic and zesty notes of achari masala, a traditional Indian spice mix used in pickles. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a hearty dinner when paired with a tangy curry or cooling raita. The unique combination of spices like ajwain (carom seeds), red chili powder, and black pepper powder gives these puris a bold flavor, while the deep-fried texture adds a delightful crunch.
In this version of Achari Masala Puri, we also offer the option of using store-bought mango pickle as a substitute for achari masala, making it an easy and adaptable recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Achari Masala | 3 tablespoons |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For deep frying |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Servings
- 4 servings
Cuisine
- Indian
Course
- Breakfast
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all the ingredients for the Achari Masala Puri. If you don’t have achari masala at hand, you can easily substitute it with a few tablespoons of ready-made mango pickle, which will add a similar tangy and spicy flavor to the puris. -
Make the Puri Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, achari masala, ajwain, red chili powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
Now, add about a tablespoon of sunflower oil to the mixture. Gradually add little water at a time and knead it into a smooth, firm dough. The dough should be pliable but not too soft. Once the dough is ready, drizzle a little oil over the top and knead again to make it smooth. -
Heat the Oil for Frying:
In a deep frying pan, heat enough sunflower oil to deep fry the puris. The oil should be hot enough to fry the puris, but not smoking. -
Shape the Puri Dough:
Divide the dough into 20 small portions. Lightly grease the rolling surface with oil to prevent sticking. Roll each portion into a small ball and flatten it with your palms. Then, using a rolling pin, roll each portion into a 3-inch diameter circle, making sure they are of uniform thickness. -
Fry the Puri:
Gently drop each rolled puri into the hot oil. Fry them one at a time, ensuring that they puff up beautifully and turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to press the puris slightly to help them puff up. Once golden and crispy, remove the puris from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel. -
Serve:
Serve the freshly fried Achari Masala Puri hot with a side of Urulai Kizhangu Masiyal (a tangy lemony potato curry) or a refreshing Paka Kela Raita (a yogurt-based banana raita). This combination makes for a delightful breakfast or dinner that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Tips and Variations
- Substitute for Achari Masala: If you don’t have achari masala, you can use a tablespoon of mango pickle or even create your own mix of mustard seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, and other typical pickle spices to add that tangy, spicy flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before rolling and frying.
- Fluffier Puri: Ensure that the oil is at the right temperature—too low and the puris will not puff up, too high and they might burn. A medium-high heat is ideal for crispy, puffed puris.
- Serving Ideas: Achari Masala Puri can be enjoyed on its own as a snack, or paired with a side of curry, raita, or even a simple pickle for an extra burst of flavor.
Achari Masala Puri brings together the savory and spicy flavors of Indian pickles, and when fried to a crisp perfection, it becomes an irresistible treat. Whether enjoyed during a leisurely weekend breakfast or a busy weeknight dinner, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
