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Daal-Poori-Lentil Stuffed Fried Indian Bread

Daal Poori – Lentil Stuffed Deep Fried Indian Bread


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4 from 1 review

  • Author: Kankana Saxena
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 daal pooris 1x

Description

Originating from Bengali cuisine, Daal Poori is an Indian street food favorite of deep-fried, flaky Indian bread stuffed with a deliciously soft, spiced lentil filling.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Lentil Stuffing:

  • 1 1/2 cups (285g) boiled lentils (preferably split yellow lentils like moong dal or chana dal)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 12 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon asafoetida (hing, optional but adds authentic flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste (adds tanginess; substitute with lemon juice if unavailable)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil

For the Poori Dough:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 tablespoon carom seeds (ajwain, enhances digestion and flavor)
  • Water as needed for kneading
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lentil Stuffing

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the boiled lentils and lower the heat to medium-low.
  4. Add turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, chopped green chilies, and tamarind paste. Stir well.
  5. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils absorb all moisture and become dry and crumbly.
  6. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. (A dry filling prevents the poori from tearing when rolling.)

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, carom seeds, salt, and oil.
  2. Slowly add water, a few tablespoons at a time, while kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  3. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Daal Poori

  1. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll each into a small ball.
  2. Lightly dust a rolling surface with flour and roll out each ball into a 3-inch (7.5 cm) disk.
  3. Place 1 teaspoon of lentil filling in the center.
  4. Carefully gather the edges of the dough, pinch them together to seal, and form a stuffed ball.
  5. Gently roll it out again into a 4-5 inch (10-12 cm) circle. Be gentle to prevent tearing.

Step 4: Fry the Poori

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough—if it rises and sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
  3. Carefully slide one poori into the hot oil.
  4. Using the back of a slotted spoon, gently press the poori as it fries to help it puff up. (Note: Since these are stuffed, they won’t puff as much as regular pooris.)
  5. Fry for 30 seconds per side until golden brown.
  6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Repeat with remaining dough balls.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve hot with pickles, yogurt, chutney, or a simple potato curry.

Notes

Best Lentil Choice: Moong dal (split yellow lentils) or chana dal (split chickpeas) work best. Ensure they are boiled until soft but not mushy.

Tamarind Substitute: If you don’t have tamarind paste, use lemon juice or a little vinegar for tanginess.

Rolling Tip: If the dough sticks, lightly oil your rolling pin or use parchment paper.

Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent 350°F (175°C) for even frying.

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Side
  • Method: Deep Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 daal poori
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0g