How to Make Aloo Puri (Potato Poori) at Home

Aloo Puri, a deep-fried Indian bread made with boiled potatoes and spices, is a favorite dish in many Indian households. This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a festive occasion. The soft and flavorful dough ensures that these puris are deliciously irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup fine semolina (optional, for extra crispness)
• ½ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 cup boiled, peeled, and mashed potatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons hot water (adjust as needed)
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, semolina, carom seeds, cumin seeds, red chili flakes, cilantro, mashed potatoes, and salt. Mix everything with your hands to form a crumbly mixture.
2. Knead the Dough:
   Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water to the mixture and knead it into a tight, firm dough. Be careful not to add too much water. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.
3. Add Oil and Knead Again:
   After resting, pour a teaspoon of oil over the dough and knead for another 30 seconds. This step makes the dough smoother and easier to work with.
4. Shape the Pooris:
   Divide the dough into small lime-sized balls. Roll each ball into a round disc about 4 inches in diameter. Use a few drops of oil on your rolling pin or board to prevent sticking.
5. Fry the Pooris:
   Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a tiny piece of dough—it should rise immediately), carefully slide a poori into the oil.
   • Gently press the poori with a slotted spoon to help it puff up.
   • Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side.
   • Remove the poori with the slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
6. Repeat and Serve:
   Fry all the pooris similarly and serve them hot. Aloo Puri pairs wonderfully with pickles, raita, or curries like spiced potato gravy or chickpea curry.

Tips for the Best Aloo Puri:

• Tight Dough: Ensure the dough is firm for puffed and crispy pooris. A soft dough will make the pooris oily and flat.
• Hot Oil is Key: Always fry pooris in hot oil. If the oil isn’t hot enough, they won’t puff up.
• Quick Process: Roll 3-4 pooris before frying to save time, or get a helper to roll while you fry.

Storing and Reheating:

• Fresh is Best: Serve pooris immediately for the best taste and texture.
• Leftovers: Store leftover pooris in foil and keep them in an airtight container. Reheat in a microwave or air fryer for a fresh taste.
• Dough Storage: Leftover dough can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling and frying.

Enjoy your homemade Aloo Puri with family and friends! This comforting and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit at any table.