Poori (fried Bread)

Poories are much easier to make than chappaties or phulkas since deep-fat
requires less skill and the poories inevitably balloon up, providing both
cook and spectators great satisfaction. Because they contain more oil, they
are usually prepared daily, but they are a refreshing and reliable change
and good to prepare in advance for parties. The quality and taste of the
oil affects the flavor.

Source: ” Beyond Curry: Quick and Easy Indian Cooking” by Hemalata Dandekar

Mix the dough as for chappaties [*1], with the exception that the oil added
to the flour should be hot. Set aside for 30 minutes. Heat oil for
deep-frying (two or three inches deep) in a heavy, cast-iron frying pan.

ROLLING THE POORI: Pinch off small amounts of dough and roll by hand into
spheres about 1 inch in diameter. Dip one into heated oil and smear the oil
onto a rolling surface so dough won’t stick to it. Roll out with a rolling
pin into circles 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter.

COOKING THE POORI: Test oil temperature by dropping in a small pinch of the
dough. If it rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready. Gently
slip the rolled-out poori into the oil, from the side of the pan so the hot
oil does not splash. The poori should rise to the surface immediately.
Carefully splash hot oil on its top surface with a spatula. [Don’t use
those teflon ones-they melt.] The poori will start to balloon about 10 to
15 seconds after it is dropped into the oil. Continue splashing hot oil on
its surface to expedite the process. Turn over and fry for a few seconds on
the other side. Poories become a light golden brown when done.

When cooked, remove the poori from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot
with curry, vegetables, salads, and pickles or chutneys.

Poories can be maintained in their blown up position by pricking them with
a pin as they are removed from the oil. They can be prepared ahead of time
for a party or a dinner. They should be stored in a large plastic bag to
prevent them from hardening.

[*1 From Chappaties

MAKING THE DOUGH: Combine salt and flour and heap this mixture in a bowl.
Make a well in the middle and add oil. Work flour and oil together, as for
pastry dough, and then add two cups water. Mix and knead the dough, aiming
for an homogeneous mass. Add more water (about 1 up), a little at a time,
kneading to absorb the moisture until the dough is soft but not sticky. It
is the right consistency if, when poked with the index finger, a little
indentation is made but the dough does not stick to the finger.]