Ajwain Poori/fried Indian bread
Hi friends! Puri (also spelled poori) is an unleavened deep-fried Indian bread, commonly consumed on the Indian subcontinent. It is eaten for breakfast or as a snack or light meal. It is usually served with a curry or bhaji, as in Puri bhaji. Puris are perhaps one of the most well-known and delicious breads of Indian cuisine.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Bread, fried Indian bread
Course: Breakfast
Makes 15 -20 puris
Ingredients:
- 250 gms whole wheat flour / atta
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Ajwain/ carom seeds
- 1 cup water
- oil for deep-frying
Method :
Step 1.
In a bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, cooking oil, Ajwain/ carom seeds and salt, using fingers, till it resembles bread crumbs.
Step 2.
Slowly add about a cup of water, just enough to form a firm/ stiff dough and knead till smooth. keep aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3.
Divide the dough into small lemon size equal portions, and roll out into 3″ rounds on an oiled board.
Step 4.
Heat the oil for deep frying, in a wok or kadhai, fry the puri one at a time, holding them under the oil on the first side until they puff. Turn and deep-fry the puris till they turn light golden brown in colour from both the sides.
Step 5.
Drain on absorbent paper kitchen towel lined plate, so that puris are dry without excessive oil.
Step 6.
Serve hot and crisp puris with a hot side-dish or just Raitas and pickle; it’ll be a winner all the way!
Note:
Add a little salt to the oil to keep it from smoking.Always add the puri to the oil as soon as they’re made. Rolled and kept puris, tend to become a little dry and sometimes do not puff up properly.
It can be served as a snack or a meal depending on the accompanying items. However, it is important to know the right way of making puris, so that they come out nice and fluffy and without too much oil.
Health benefits of Ajwain:
- Ajwain seeds contain health benefiting essential oils such as thymol, a monopterone derivative class of chemical compound which gives aromatic fragrances to seeds. Besides, they also compose of small amounts of other phytochemicals such as pinene, cymene, limonene, and terpinene.
- The active principles in the ajwain may help increase the digestive function of the intestinal tract through facilitating the release of gut juices (gastro-intestinal secretions).
- Thymol, the essential oil obtained from ajwain has local anesthetic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
- Likewise in caraway, ajowan seeds too are rich source of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants
Ref.http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/ajwain.html
Selection and storage:
Ajwain is readily available in the spice stores specializing in Indian or Middle-Eastern spice ingredients. In general, whole ajwain seeds displayed for sale alongside with other spices such as dill, cumin, coriander, caraway, etc. Buy fresh, wholesome, compact seeds emanating pleasant thyme-like flavor when rubbed between fingers.
Once at home, store the seeds in an airtight container and place in a cool dark place away from sunlight and humidity. Ajowan seeds should be used as early as possible since they lose flavor rather quickly, largely because of evaporation of essential oils.
Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:
- Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
- Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
- Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
- If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
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SAANJHACHULLHA 