Paal Poli: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Indian Dessert
35 minutes
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About Paal Poli: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Indian Dessert
Indulge in the heavenly delight of Paal Poli, a traditional Indian dessert that's perfect for celebrations and sweet cravings alike. Imagine delicate, golden-fried flatbreads soaking in a bath of rich, creamy milk, infused with the warmth of aromatic spices.These thin polis, crafted with all-purpose flour and semolina, absorb the sweet milk, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's simply divine. A final sprinkle of cashew powder adds a touch of nutty perfection to this unforgettable treat.Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a comforting dessert, Paal Poli is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Poli Dough
- 5 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour maida
- 0.75 Tbsp Semolina suji/rava
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- Oil for frying
For the Sweet Milk
- 500 ml Milk
- 5 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Saffron Strands
- 5 Cashews powdered coarsely
- 0.25 tsp Cardamom Powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a soft, pliable dough forms, similar to a roti dough consistency. This step develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in soft polis.
- Divide the dough into small, marble-sized balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle. Folding and rolling the dough creates flaky layers in the polis.
- In a broad, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil for frying over medium heat. While the oil heats, in a separate saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Using a heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat distribution and prevents the milk from scorching.
- Carefully slide the rolled polis into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through. Frying the polis until golden brown ensures they are cooked through and adds a delightful crispness.
- Once the milk has reduced slightly, add the sugar, saffron strands, and powdered cashews. Stir well to combine. Reducing the milk intensifies its flavor and sweetness.
- Remove the fried polis from the oil and drain any excess oil. Gently place the hot polis into the simmering sweet milk. Allow them to soak for a few minutes, absorbing the flavorful milk. Soaking the polis in the milk allows them to soften and absorb the delicious flavors.
- To serve, transfer the soaked polis to a serving dish. Ladle the creamy milk over the polis and sprinkle with cardamom powder. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For extra flavor, infuse the milk with a few saffron strands and a small piece of pandan leaf while simmering. This will lend a beautiful color and subtle aroma to the dish.
- To keep the polis crisp before soaking, fry them on medium heat until they puff and turn golden, then drain on a wire rack rather than paper towels to prevent steam from softening them prematurely.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use a mix of evaporated milk and regular milk. This maintains creaminess with less richness, and the polis will still soak up the flavors well.
- Serve Paal Poli slightly chilled and garnish with slivers of pistachio or dried rose petals for a festive and visually appealing presentation.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, use whole fat milk and ghee for frying the polis.
- Don't oversoak the polis; they should be soft but not mushy. Start by soaking them for a shorter time and add more milk as needed.
- Adjust the sweetness of the milk to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover Paal Poli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 1515kcalCarbohydrates: 259gProtein: 31gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 24.6gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 285mgFiber: 6gSugar: 136g
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Such a delicious dish! Thank you.
This looks so tasty! Thank you.
What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.
This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
Looks so wonderful! Thanks for posting.