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Methi Poori (Deep-Fried Fenugreek Bread) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Methi Poori (Deep-Fried Fenugreek Bread)

These incredible, puffed-up breads are a festival on a plate—crisp on the outside, yet soft and layered on the inside. Infused with the earthy flavor of fenugreek (methi) and a warm blend of Indian spices, each bite is a pure delight.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 poori
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 📜
  • For the Greens Purée
  • 1 cup (50 g / 1.76 oz) Fresh Greens lightly packed fresh fenugreek leaves, spinach, or finely chopped mixed herbs
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) Water for cooking greens , if using fenugreek or spinach
  • Green Chilies: 1-2, seeded
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) Plain Yogurt , room temperature
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) Melted Ghee or Vegetable Oil
For the Dough
  • 2.25 cups (280 g / 9.9 oz) Flour total, using either 100% chapati flour (atta) OR a mix of 1.25 cups (300 ml) whole wheat pastry flour and 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 0.33 cup (80 ml) Lukewarm Water , or as needed
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Ground Coriander
  • 0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) Garam Masala
  • 0.25 tsp (1.25 ml) Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Salt
  • Frying Oil: Ghee or vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • 💡
  • The dough should be firm and stiff, not soft like chapati dough. This prevents the pooris from absorbing too much oil.
  • Always use a drop of oil, not dry flour, for rolling out the pooris. Flour will burn in the hot oil, spoiling the taste and color.
  • To get that perfect puff, gently press the poori down into the oil with the back of a spoon as it starts to rise to the surface.
  • Maintain a consistent oil temperature between 355-375°F / 180-190°C (375°F). If the oil is too cool, the pooris will be oily; if it's too hot, they will burn before puffing.

Method
 

  1. 🧑‍🍳
  2. Prepare the Greens Purée: If using fenugreek or spinach, cook the washed greens with 2 tbsp (30 ml) of water in a covered saucepan for 2-3 minutes until just softened.
  3. Drain well and cool. If using soft herbs, skip the cooking.
  4. Add the greens, green chilies, yogurt, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) of melted ghee to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
  5. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour(s), ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and salt.
  6. Pour in the green purée and begin to mix, slowly adding the lukewarm water until a firm, non-sticky dough forms. You may not need all the water.
  7. Knead and Rest: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is silky smooth and pliable.
  8. Form it into a ball, lightly grease the surface with oil, and place it in a bowl.
  9. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
  10. Shape the Pooris: Briefly knead the rested dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces.
  11. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, keeping them covered with a damp cloth. Lightly grease your rolling surface and pin with oil (do not use flour).
  12. Roll one ball into a 5-inch / 12. 5 cm circle.
  13. Repeat with the remaining balls, placing the rolled discs on a plate without overlapping.
  14. Heat the Oil: Pour oil to a depth of at least 3 inches / 7. 5 cm in a wok or deep pan.
  15. Heat over moderately-high heat to 365°F / 185°C. To test, a small piece of dough should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
  16. Fry the Pooris: Carefully slide one poori into the hot oil. As it floats to the top, use the back of a slotted spoon to gently press it down, encouraging it to puff up like a balloon.
  17. Fry for 20-30 seconds until light golden.
  18. Flip and Drain: Flip the poori and fry the other side for another 20-30 seconds.
  19. Remove with the slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip off, and transfer to a paper-towel-lined tray.
  20. Repeat with the remaining pooris, ensuring the oil stays hot.
  21. Serve Immediately: Pooris are best enjoyed hot and puffed.
  22. Serve right away with your favorite curry or chutney.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6g

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