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
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
- 1–2 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
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the boiled lentils and lower the heat to medium-low.
- Add turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, chopped green chilies, and tamarind paste. Stir well.
- Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils absorb all moisture and become dry and crumbly.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. (A dry filling prevents the poori from tearing when rolling.)
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, carom seeds, salt, and oil.
- Slowly add water, a few tablespoons at a time, while kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- 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
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll each into a small ball.
- Lightly dust a rolling surface with flour and roll out each ball into a 3-inch (7.5 cm) disk.
- Place 1 teaspoon of lentil filling in the center.
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough, pinch them together to seal, and form a stuffed ball.
- Gently roll it out again into a 4-5 inch (10-12 cm) circle. Be gentle to prevent tearing.
Step 4: Fry the Poori
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
- Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough—if it rises and sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Carefully slide one poori into the hot oil.
- 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.)
- Fry for 30 seconds per side until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 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