Poori Masala

Welcome to our easy and delicious recipe for Poori Masala! This traditional Indian dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. The combination of fluffy poori and flavorful potato masala is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to make this tasty and satisfying dish.

What Is Poori Masala?

• Poori Masala is a classic South Indian dish that consists of mashed potatoes cooked with a flavorful blend of Indian spices and seasonings. This dish is the perfect accompaniment to fluffy and crispy Poori bread. The combination of succulent potatoes, aromatic onions, spicy green chilies, and fragrant curry leaves creates a dish that is bursting with flavor.
• The unique seasoning of sesame oil, channa dal, mustard seeds, and asafoetida adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a beloved favorite in South Indian cuisine.

Why You'll Love Poori Masala?

• Delicious and comforting texture: The creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes combined with the aromatic spices create a rich and indulgent texture that complements the light and fluffy poori perfectly.
• Quick and easy to make: With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, this poori masala recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any time of the day.
• Packed with healthy ingredients: Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber, while the various spices used in the recipe offer a range of health benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties to aiding digestion.
• Versatile and customizable: You can adjust the spice level and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add more green chilies for a spicier kick or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
• Pairs well with other dishes: Poori masala is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Indian favorites such as sambar, chutney, or yogurt for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe serves two, making it a great option for a cozy meal with a loved one or a small gathering with friends and family.

Ingredients for Poori Masala

• Potatoes: Boiled, peeled, and mashed, the potatoes add a creamy texture and hearty flavor to the masala.
• Onions: Thinly sliced onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, providing a delicious base for the masala.
• Green Chilies: These add a hint of spice and a pop of color to the masala, balancing out the other flavors.
• Ginger: Grated ginger brings a warm and aromatic flavor to the masala, enhancing the overall taste.
• Turmeric Powder: This adds a beautiful golden color and a subtle earthy flavor to the masala.
• Curry Leaves: These provide a unique and fragrant flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall aroma.

How To Make Poori Masala?

• To make a flavorful and delicious poori masala, start by mashing the boiled potatoes roughly, leaving them in small pieces.
• Then, heat oil in a pan and add channa dal, mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Fry until they splutter, then add thinly sliced onions, grated ginger, and green chilies, and fry until the onions become transparent.
• Pour in some water, turmeric powder, and salt, and let it cook until the onions become soft. Finally, add the mashed potatoes and cook until the masala becomes thick.
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves for a fresh and vibrant flavor. This step is crucial for creating a well-balanced and flavorful poori masala that pairs perfectly with the pooris.

How To Make Poori?

• Creating the perfect poori is an important part of the meal. Begin by combining wheat flour, and salt in a bowl, then adding ghee or oil to the mixture.
• Knead well, then form small lemon-sized balls and roll them out into palm-sized circles of medium thickness. It's important not to make them too thin, as they won't puff up properly.
• Fry the pooris in hot oil, pressing on top with a slotted ladle until they puff up and become golden brown. Serving these hot and fresh with the flavorful poori masala ensures a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Poori Masala Pairing: For a complete meal, pair the flavorful and aromatic Poori Masala with some refreshing and tangy Raita. The coolness of the yogurt in the raita perfectly complements the spiciness of the masala.
• Side Salad: Add a crunchy and healthy element to the meal with a side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A light vinaigrette dressing will bring a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the masala.
• Chutneys: Serve the Poori Masala with a variety of chutneys such as mint chutney and tamarind chutney. The tangy and sweet flavors of the chutneys will enhance the overall dining experience.
• Pickles: A side of spicy and tangy Indian pickles will add an extra kick of flavor to the meal. The richness of the masala will be complemented by the intense flavors of the pickles.
• Beverage Pairing: Complete the meal with a traditional Indian beverage such as masala chai or a refreshing glass of buttermilk. The warmth and spices of these drinks will harmonize with the bold flavors of the masala.
• Sweet Ending: Finish the meal with a traditional Indian dessert such as gulab jamun or kheer. The sweetness of the dessert will provide a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the masala.

Tips for Making Poori Masala

• Preparation Duration: To save time, you can boil, peel, and mash the potatoes in advance. Also, prep the onions, green chilies, and ginger ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
• Cooking Techniques: Be sure to fry the channa dal until it turns brown to release its nutty flavor. When making the poori, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding each one to achieve that perfect puffiness.
• Garnishing for Presentation: Garnishing the poori masala with chopped coriander leaves not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color for a visually appealing presentation.
• Consistency of the Masala: Make sure to cook the masala until it becomes thick in consistency to ensure that it holds together nicely with the poori.
• Rolling the Poori: When rolling the poori, make sure to dust the balls in flour and roll them to a medium thickness to achieve the perfect puffiness when frying.
• Frying the Poori: For the perfect golden brown and puffy poori, be sure to fry them in hot oil and press down gently with a slotted ladle to help them puff up. Serve hot for the best taste.

Variations for Poori Masala

• Vegetable Masala: Add a mix of your favorite vegetables like carrots, peas, and cauliflower to the potato masala for a colorful and nutritious twist.
• Spicy Masala: For those who love a kick of heat, add some extra green chilies or a sprinkle of red chili powder to the masala for an extra spicy flavor.
• Coconut Masala: Enhance the flavor of the masala by adding a few tablespoons of coconut milk or grated coconut for a creamy and indulgent touch.
• Paneer Masala: For a protein-packed version, add some cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the masala for a rich and satisfying twist.
• Masala with a Twist: Experiment with different spices like garam masala, cumin, or coriander to create your own unique flavor profile for the masala.
• Gluten-free Option: For those following a gluten-free diet, substitute the wheat flour with gluten-free flour to make gluten-free pooris to enjoy with the flavorful masala.

How to Store Poori Masala

• Storing Potatoes: To maintain the freshness of boiled and mashed potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent them from spoiling and maintain their texture for future use.
• Storing Onions: Store thinly sliced onions in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve their crispness and flavor.
• Maintaining Green Chilies: Keep slitted green chilies in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from shriveling and losing their heat.
• Preserving Spices: Store turmeric powder, salt, and other spices in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain their freshness and flavor.
• Keeping Curry Leaves and Coriander Leaves Fresh: Wrap curry leaves and chopped coriander leaves in a slightly damp paper towel and store them in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. This will help them stay fresh for longer.
• Storing Cooked Poori: If you have leftover cooked pooris, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any other type of flour for making Poori?

• Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour for making Poori. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly from the traditional wheat flour Poori.

How can I make the Poori Masala spicier?

• If you prefer a spicier Poori Masala, you can increase the quantity of green chilies or add some red chili powder while cooking the masala. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Can I make the Poori Masala ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the Poori Masala ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

What can I serve with Poori and Poori Masala?

• Poori and Poori Masala pair well with a side of coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or a simple pickle. You can also serve it with some fresh yogurt for a delicious combination.

How can I ensure my Pooris puff up while frying?

• To ensure that the Pooris puff up while frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the Poori. Additionally, gently press down on the Poori with a slotted ladle while frying to help it puff up.

Can I make Poori without deep frying?

• While traditional Poori is deep-fried, you can also try pan-frying or baking the Poori for a lighter alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ from the traditional deep-fried Poori.

Poori Masala 2018-02-20 04:19:03

Recipe Card

Poori Masala

Serves 2

Prep Time: 00:20

Cook Time: 00:20

Total Time: 00:40

Ingredients

For Poori Masala

• 2 large-sized potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed
• 3 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced
• 3 to 4, slitted green chilies
• 2 tsp grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• few curry leaves
• some chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

To Temper

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp channa dal
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp urad dal
• a pinch of asafoetida

For Poori

• 2 cups wheat flour
• 1 tsp oil or ghee
• salt to taste
• water as needed
• enough oil for deep frying

Instructions

How To Make Poori Masala

1. Mash the potatoes roughly. Don't mash completely, just break into pieces roughly.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. When the oil heats, add channa dal and fry until browned.
4. Then add mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves, fry until spluttering. Add asafoetida and let it sizzle.
5. Then add in thinly sliced onions, grated ginger and green chilies, and fry until transparent.
6. Pour 1 cup of water, turmeric powder and salt, bring it to boil and then cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5 mins over low heat till the onions turn soft.
7. At this stage, add mashed potatoes and mix well and cook until the masala becomes thick in consistency.
8. Finally, garnish it with some chopped coriander leaves.

How To Make Poori

1. Place wheat flour, and salt in a wide bowl then add ghee or oil over the flour and mix well until combined.
2. Then add water little by little and knead well in between your palms for few mins until it becomes smooth. Start rolling immediately.
3. Make small lemon sized balls.
4. Then dust the balls in flour and make small sized poori of palm size in medium thickness. If you make it thin, pooris won't puff up.
5. Meanwhile, heat a pan with enough oil over high heat.
6. When the oil heats, drop a poori in oil, press on top by using slotted ladle till puffy, flip over and fry until browned.
7. Serve hot with poori masala.