Navratri
Navratri, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, is a time for fasting, prayer, and devotion. During this festival, devotees follow a strict diet based on fasting foods or “Vrat” food. These fasting foods are prepared using specific ingredients that are considered pure and sattvic (pure, simple, and wholesome). One such delightful dish is the Falahari Puri, a crispy and delicious treat that can be enjoyed during the nine days of Navratri.
Falahari Puri is made from a mix of vrat-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for those observing the fast. Unlike regular puris, which use wheat flour and regular spices, falahari puris are made with ingredients such as Singhara flour (water chestnut flour), Rajgira flour (amaranth flour), and other fasting-friendly ingredients like rock salt, ghee, and potatoes. These puris are not only light and crispy but also flavorful, ensuring that your Navratri fasting days are filled with satisfaction.
Let’s take a look at how to prepare this super crispy and tasty Falahari Puri for Navratri fasting.
Ingredients for Falahari Puri:
- 1 cup Singhara flour (Water Chestnut flour)
- 2 tablespoons Rajgira flour (Amaranth flour)
- 1 medium-sized boiled potato (mashed)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- Rock salt (Sendha namak) to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) for kneading
- Water (as required to make the dough)
- Ghee or oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Singhara flour and Rajgira flour. These two flours are commonly used in fasting recipes and provide a soft texture to the dough.
- Add the mashed boiled potato to the flour mixture. The potato helps bind the dough and makes the puris soft and light.
- Add cumin seeds and black pepper for a mild, fragrant taste. You can skip the pepper if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
- Add rock salt to taste. It is important to use rock salt (Sendha namak) during fasting as regular salt is not allowed.
- Slowly start adding water little by little to form a smooth and firm dough. Be careful not to add too much water, as the dough should not be too soft or sticky.
- Once the dough is well kneaded, add ghee and knead again to incorporate it. The ghee will help make the puris crispy and light.
Step 2: Rolling and Shaping the Puri
- Take small portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Flatten each ball gently with your hands or use a rolling pin to form round discs. Make sure the puris are of uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
- If the dough sticks to the rolling surface, lightly dust it with some Rajgira flour or Singhara flour.
Step 3: Frying the Puri
- Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat. It’s important to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Carefully slide the rolled puris into the hot ghee or oil, one at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and make the puris soggy.
- Fry the puris on both sides until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to press gently on the edges with a slotted spoon to ensure even puffing.
- Once done, remove the puris from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Step 4: Serving
Serve your crispy Falahari Puri with a side of curd, chutney, or any fasting-friendly sabzi. You can also enjoy it with a sweet dish like fruit chaat or coconut ladoos to enhance the festive experience.
Tips for Perfect Falahari Puri:
- Texture: The dough should not be too soft or too stiff. If it’s too stiff, the puris may not puff up properly. If it’s too soft, they may break while rolling.
- Frying Temperature: The oil should be at the right temperature not too hot and not too cold. If the oil is too hot, the puris will burn quickly. If the oil is too cold, the puris will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Alternative Flour: If you don’t have Singhara flour, you can use Kuttu (Buckwheat) flour, which is also common in fasting recipes.
Falahari Puri is a perfect snack or accompaniment for any fasting meal during Navratri. With the right ingredients and technique, you can enjoy a crisp, flavorful, and light treat that aligns with the spiritual significance of the festival. It’s a great way to indulge in a traditional fasting recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste and texture. Enjoy the vibrant and spiritual atmosphere of Navratri with these crispy, tasty puris!
