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La Cuisine Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Tawa, 28cm
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Vegan Masala Recipe
Puffed Indian Bread (Poori)
Poori is a small whole-wheat bread that balloons in hot oil, becoming crisp outside and soft within. Served straight away with curry or pickle, it turns a meal into an occasion.
Recipe by Craig LogueHow our recipes are created
30 minPrep: 10 minCook: 20 minServes 4IndianVegan
puffed breadfried breadwhole wheatsnack
From the kitchen
What to expect
A firm dough and properly hot oil are what make poori puff. Roll each round evenly and slide it in carefully; a gentle press with the spoon encourages that magical balloon shape.
Serving idea
Best served simply
Serve warm with curry, dal or a simple vegetable side while still fresh.
Useful equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
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Cook the recipe
Method
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 2
Add 1 tablespoon of oil and mix well.
- 3
Gradually add water a little at a time, kneading to form a soft, smooth dough.
- 4
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- 5
After resting, divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- 6
On a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin disc, about 5 inches in diameter.
- 7
Heat 1 tablespoon oil, plus more for frying in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- 8
Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in one rolled disc at a time.
- 9
Fry until the poori puffs up and turns golden, about 30 seconds each side.
- 10
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Gather everything first
Ingredients
- •1 tablespoon oil, plus more for frying
- •1 cup water
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •2 cups whole wheat flour, plus extra for dusting
A few useful notes
Notes
- •The flavour of this dish depends on cooking the masala properly rather than rushing straight to the final simmer.
- •Taste before serving and adjust the salt, heat or acidity only once the dish has cooked fully.
- •Leftovers often taste even better the next day once the spices have had more time to settle.
- •Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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