Kadalapparippu Poli (Sweet Lentil Patties)

A traditional sweet dish made using Bengal gram, poli is yet another dish that is made across South India.

Ingredients

For the Filling

¾ cup Bengal gram (chana dal)

¾ cup sugar

½ tsp cardamom powder

1/8 tsp nutmeg powder

1 tsp ghee

For the poli

1 ¼ plain flour (maida)

¼ tsp turmeric powder

A pinch of salt

Water

½ cup oil

Method

• Pressure cook Bengal gram with adequate water, till soft.
• Drain the water and transfer the gram to a pan.
• Add the sugar and ghee.
• In a saucepan, cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously, till it thickens.
• To check the consistency, lift a bit of the mixture in a spoon. The mixture should fall into the pan as small lumps.
• Add the cardamom and nutmeg powder and mix well. Switch off heat.
• If you still spot the gram as whole, run the mixture in a blender to make a smooth paste.
• Do this before the mixture turns cold.Form small balls of this mixture and keep aside.
• Mix flour, salt and turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add enough water to form dough.
• Now add half of the oil and knead the dough well.
• Pour the remaining oil and keep the dough covered for at least 30 minutes.The dough will absorb the oil.
• Knead the dough again. It will turn very smooth and soft.
• Divide the dough into equal portions, like the filling.
• Take a dough ball and flatten it.Keep the filling in the centre and wrap the dough around.
• Roll it out into thin rounds. Do not apply too much force as they are very soft and may tear easily.
• Place the rolled poli on a pan in medium heat. As soon as light brown spots appear, flip and cook the other side.
• Apply a light coat of ghee on both sides.
• Transfer to an airtight container.