~ MASALA POORI (Spiced Flatbread) ~

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
a few tbsp of all-purpose flour, as needed
¼ tsp turmeric (haldi) (kunyit)
½ tsp ground coriander powder (serbuk ketumbar)
½ tsp ground cumin powder (jintan manis/putih)
¼ tsp red chili powder, to taste (serbuk cili)
½ tsp ajwain (biji karambol)
pinch of asafetida (hing)
salt to taste
oil for deep frying
water as needed

METHOD:

In a large wide mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with the spices (turmeric, ground coriander powder, ground cumin powder, red chili powder, ajwain, asafetida & salt. Mix together and slowly add the water while kneading until a soft dough is formed. If the dough is sticky, add a little all-purpose flour.

Then using a clean work surface sprinkled with some all-purpose flour, gently knead the dough and divide it equally into round balls (roughly ping pong ball size). At this point, you can use a poori machine (similar to a tortilla press) or a rolling pin to make the pooris. Roll them out evenly into round circles (4-5 inches in diameter).

Heat a deep skillet with enough oil to deep fry. When hot, carefully add the pooris (2-3 at a time) and fry until golden brown. You may need to fry them in batches. Drain well and serve immediately with your favorite chutney and yogurt.


VARIATIONS:

Feel free to add some freshly chopped mint leaves to make delicious Pudina Masala Poori (Minty Masala Poori).