Originating from the Indian subcontinent, puri is a beloved traditional bread that accompanies various dishes, from savory curries to sweet treats.
Despite its simplicity, mastering the art of making perfect puris can elevate any meal to a whole new level of satisfaction. Don’t be intimidated by its exotic name; puri is actually quite easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen.
This recipe for puri requires just a handful of basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. With a bit of flour, salt, oil, and water, you can create these delightful, fluffy bread rounds that are perfect for scooping up flavorful curries or enjoying on their own.
Expert Tip: For extra flavor, you can add spices such as cumin or ajwain to the puri dough.
Plain Flour: Also known as all-purpose flour, this forms the base of the puri dough. It provides the structure and texture needed for the puris to puff up beautifully when fried. The flour’s gluten content helps create a tender yet sturdy bread.
Salt: Adding just the right amount of salt enhances the flavor of the puris, balancing out the richness of the oil used for frying. It also helps to strengthen the gluten in the flour, resulting in a more elastic dough.
Oil: A small amount of oil is incorporated into the dough to enhance its tenderness and prevent the puris from becoming too dry or tough. Additionally, oil is used for frying the puris, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Expert Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the puris to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Expert Tip: If you prefer a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a nutritious twist on this classic recipe.
For frying puris, it’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. These oils can withstand the high heat required for frying without burning or imparting off-flavors to the puris.
While puris are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them before serving. To keep them crisp, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack after frying, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, reheat the puris in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through.
Several factors can affect the puffing of puris, including the consistency of the dough, the temperature of the oil, and the rolling technique. Make sure your dough is not too soft or too stiff, as this can prevent proper puffing. Also, ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying the puris, and gently press down on the puris with a ladle once they begin to rise to encourage puffing.
While oil is traditionally used in puri dough and for frying, you can make a healthier version by using less oil or opting for alternative cooking methods such as baking. However, keep in mind that omitting oil entirely may affect the texture and flavor of the puris.
If you have any leftover puris, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the puris in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.
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I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.
Latest comments (8)
I am going to try for the first time will let you know
I hope you enjoy it. Looking forward to hearing about how it turns out for you!
Hi there 👋🏻 how much water? Don’t actually say in the recipe. Love your site. Your chicken pakora recipe has become a weekly treat ! Made your lamb curry last weekend it was delicious. Would love to make these pooris to go with 😋
Thank you for your kind words and feedback! I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipes. For the pooris, I recommend adding water gradually until you achieve the right consistency. It’s a bit of a visual judgment, but adding water in small increments and kneading the dough should help you get the desired texture.
Tried this recipe and it was lovely except my puris were slightly on the hard side what can I have done to make them softer next time? More oil?
I’m glad you enjoy my recipe. The puri goes hard if you overcook it. Next time fry it for a little less time 🙂
Ok will give it another go thankyou
Oil should be really hot. Hotter the oil softer the puri.