Chhattisgarh Pakwan Puri Festival Fried Sweet Bread Diwali

Method

1. 1

   Mix maida, sugar, cardamom powder and salt.

2. 2

   Add 2 tbsp ghee and rub into the flour until crumbly.

3. 3

   Add warm water gradually. Knead into a smooth, slightly firm dough — slightly stiffer than chapati dough. Cover. Rest 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Divide into 16 small balls. Roll each into a small round 8 to 9 cm wide.

5. 5

   Heat oil for deep frying on medium. Test with a small piece of dough — it should rise to the surface immediately.

6. 6

   Slide a puri carefully into the hot oil. Gently press the centre with a slotted spoon so it puffs.

7. 7

   Fry on medium for 1 minute per side until pale golden — festival puris are lighter in colour than regular puris.

8. 8

   Drain on paper towels. Serve warm. They puff beautifully and the cardamom and sugar create a mildly sweet, fragrant bread.