Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread popular in the Indian subcontinent, especially in the western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. It is a classic dish that is typically made during festivals and special occasions. The origin of Puran Poli can be traced back to ancient times, and its evolution is deeply rooted in Indian culture.
The word "Puran" in Puran Poli is derived from the Sanskrit word "Purana," which means ancient or old. The dish has been mentioned in several ancient Indian texts and scriptures, including the Vedas and the Mahabharata. In fact, Puran Poli is believed to have been a favourite of Lord Krishna, who is a major deity in Hinduism.
The practice of making Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread filled with a mixture of yellow gram and cane sugar or jaggery, during the Holi festival in Maharashtra likely has its roots in the festival's agricultural origins as a harvest festival. Holi is typically celebrated around the time of the wheat, gram, and sugarcane harvest in India, which are the primary ingredients used to make Puran Poli. It is logical that the freshly harvested crops would be used as ritual offerings and celebratory meals during the season.
The preparation of Puran Poli is quite simple. The dish is essentially a sweet filling made of boiled and mashed chana dal (Bengal gram) mixed with jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg. This filling is then stuffed into a dough made of wheat flour and rolled out into flatbreads. The flatbreads are then roasted on a tava and served hot with ghee or milk.
Puran Poli is considered a delicacy in Indian cuisine, and its popularity can be attributed to its rich flavour and texture. The dish is delicious and nutritious as it contains protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients.
The origin of Puran Poli is closely tied to the ancient Indian tradition of offering food to deities during festivals and religious ceremonies. In fact, Puran Poli is a part of the prasad (offering) that is given to Lord Ganesha during Holi festivities, which is celebrated across India.
Over time, the dish has evolved to suit the tastes and preferences of different regions in India. For instance, in Maharashtra, Puran Poli is typically made with a sweet stuffing made of jaggery and coconut, while in Gujarat, the dish is prepared with a savoury stuffing made of lentils and spices.
Puran Poli is an integral part of Holi festivities in Maharashtra and the Konkan belt and this simple dessert with a rich history reflects the diversity of Indian history.