There are many kinds of Indian breads. Most of them are unleavened flat breads made with whole wheat flour and water. Puri is a deep fried bread, rolled, fried and served fresh as it comes out puffy from the hot oil. It is fun to make and fun to watch and both kids and adults love the taste of fresh, hot Puris with either sweet or savory accompaniments.
ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat or chapati flour
yield:
14-16 Purisingredients:
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat or chapati flour
pinch of salt (optional)
about 3/4 cups water
2-3 cups of oil for frying
preparation:
about 3/4 cups water
2-3 cups of oil for frying
preparation:
- Prepare a stiff dough with flour, water and (salt), slowly adding water (you may need less water depending on the variety of wheat).
- Knead dough for 2-3 minutes in a mixer or a little longer by hand, oil the surface of dough lightly to keep from drying out and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 14-16 portions, flatten each into a smooth patty and set aside.
- It is helpful to have a helper so one person can fry while the other rolls or roll all the puris before starting to fry.
- Heat oil, about 3/4 inches deep in an 8-10 inch frying pan until oil is hot but not smoking (about 325 degrees F). Watch the video above to see how to test the oil temperature.
- Roll out one patty on an oiled surface with an oiled rolling pin into a 3 inch diameter disk and slide it into the hot oil.
- As Puri starts to rise to the top, push it down with a slotted spoon until it puffs up.
- Turn Puri over and fry a few seconds until it starts to brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Continue to fry the rest of the Puris.
- Serve fresh Puri with a vegetable such as Aloo Gobhi or Chhole.