Poori, a type of Indian flatbread, is often served with a flavorful and spicy accompaniment – Poori Masala. This popular combination is a staple in many Indian households, and for good reason. The crispy, golden-brown pooris perfectly complement the rich, aromatic curry sauce that makes up Poori Masala. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering recipes for Poori Masala that showcase the versatility of this beloved dish. From classic combinations like Aloo Poori Masala and Chana Poori Masala to more innovative variations featuring paneer, mixed vegetables, and even chicken, there’s something on this list for every poori lover.
Aloo Poori Masala
A flavorful and comforting North Indian dish that combines the comfort of boiled potatoes with crispy pooris (deep-fried flatbread) and a rich, spicy tomato-based gravy.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup gram flour (chickpea flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– For the masala:
+ 2 medium onions, chopped
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
+ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
+ 1 teaspoon coriander powder
+ 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
+ 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
+ Salt, to taste
+ Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender; mash.
2. Mix gram flour, baking powder, and salt with water to form a dough. Knead well.
3. Divide into small portions and shape into pooris.
4. Fry pooris in hot oil until golden brown.
5. Heat oil in a pan, add onions, garlic, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the onion is translucent.
6. Add the mashed potatoes, diced tomatoes, and water to the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
7. Serve hot with fried pooris and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chana Poori Masala
A flavorful North Indian dish that combines the humble chickpea with aromatic spices, served with crispy pooris (bread). This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4-6 pooris (bread)
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden brown.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chickpeas and salt. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
5. Serve hot with pooris and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Paneer Poori Masala
A flavorful North Indian dish that combines the richness of paneer (Indian cheese) with the crunch of pooris (fried bread). This recipe is a perfect blend of spices and textures, sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup paneer cubes
– 2 medium onions, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger paste
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– 6-8 pooris (fried bread)
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger paste. Cook until onions are lightly browned.
3. Add cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add paneer cubes and stir gently to combine with the spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until paneer is lightly browned.
5. Serve hot with pooris. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mixed Vegetable Poori Masala
A flavorful and comforting Indian-inspired dish that combines crispy pooris (deep-fried puffed bread) with a rich and spicy vegetable masala. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower, potatoes)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4-6 pooris (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until they’re translucent.
2. Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Warm the pooris by wrapping them in a damp cloth and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Serve the vegetable masala over the warm pooris, garnished with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Onion Tomato Poori Masala
This Onion Tomato Poori Masala recipe is a popular North Indian dish that combines the sweetness of onions and tomatoes with the spices of garam masala, perfect for serving with fluffy pooris (Indian flatbread). This flavorful curry is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 3 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2-3 green chilies, chopped (optional)
– 2 cups water
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onions until caramelized.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle before adding tomatoes, garam masala powder, salt, and green chilies (if using). Cook until the mixture thickens.
3. Add water and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the curry reaches desired consistency.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with pooris.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Potato Peas Poori Masala
A flavorful and aromatic curry made with potatoes, peas, and pooris (Indian flatbread), this dish is a staple in many Indian households. With its rich and creamy texture, it’s perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 can coconut milk
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for cooking
– Pooris (Indian flatbread), for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onions until they’re translucent.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 1 minute.
3. Add garlic, potatoes, peas, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are half-cooked.
4. Pour in coconut milk and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot with pooris.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Masoor Dal Poori Masala
Masoor Dal Poori Masala is a flavorful and aromatic Indian recipe that combines the comfort of fried bread with the richness of lentils. This twist on traditional pooris (fried flatbreads) adds a delightful surprise in the form of spicy lentil filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 cup cooked masoor dal (red lentils)
+ 1 onion, finely chopped
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
+ 1 teaspoon cumin powder
+ Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water and knead into a smooth dough.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions.
4. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
5. Place 1-2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each circle.
6. Fold the dough to form a triangle or square shape, sealing the edges.
7. Fry the pooris in hot oil until golden brown (3-4 minutes).
8. Drain excess oil and serve warm with your favorite accompaniments.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach Poori Masala
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional poori masala, this recipe combines the goodness of spinach with the comfort of a warm, flaky flatbread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix flours, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water and knead into a smooth dough.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions.
4. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
5. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook pooris until they puff up and are golden brown.
6. In another pan, sauté onion, garlic, cumin seeds, and chopped spinach until the leaves wilt.
7. Serve pooris with the spinach masala and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Egg Poori Masala
A popular Indian breakfast dish, Egg Poori Masala is a flavorful and filling meal that combines scrambled eggs with spices and served with crispy pooris (deep-fried puffed bread).
Ingredients:
– 4 eggs
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– 4-6 pooris (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with a spatula.
5. Add cumin seeds, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Stir well to combine.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Warm pooris by deep-frying or cooking them in the microwave according to package instructions.
8. Serve scrambled eggs over warm pooris.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Poori Masala
Savour the rich flavors of North India with this recipe for Chicken Poori Masala, a popular dish that pairs tender chicken with crispy pooris and a fragrant tomato-based gravy. Serve it with warm naan or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup water
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add diced tomatoes, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve with warm pooris (Indian bread) and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Mushroom Poori Masala
This recipe combines the richness of mushrooms with the comfort of poori masala, creating a unique and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup water
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Poori dough (homemade or store-bought), for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot over poori dough, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Corn Poori Masala
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional poori masala, this recipe adds the sweetness of corn to create a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water to form a soft dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.
5. Roll out each portion into a thin poori.
6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the pooris until golden brown.
7. In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté chopped onion, garlic, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt.
8. Add corn kernels and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
9. Serve hot with pooris and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Poori Masala
This recipe combines the traditional flavors of poori masala with the creamy richness of coconut, creating a unique and mouthwatering dish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup ghee or oil
– 3/4 cup lukewarm water
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Add ghee or oil and mix until crumbly.
3. Gradually add lukewarm water to form a dough.
4. Knead for 5 minutes and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Divide into 6-8 portions and roll out each portion into thin circles.
6. Heat oil in a pan, fry pooris until golden brown, and set aside.
7. In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
8. Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
9. Serve hot with fried pooris, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Curry Leaves Poori Masala
A flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that combines crispy pooris (bread) with a rich and creamy curry sauce, infused with the warm and earthy essence of curry leaves.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
– For the masala:
+ 2 medium onions, finely chopped
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 small onion, grated
+ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
+ 1 teaspoon ground coriander
+ 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
+ 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
+ 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
+ 2 tablespoons curry leaves, chopped
+ 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
+ Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
3. Divide into 6-8 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten slightly.
4. Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan. Fry pooris until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
5. For the masala, heat oil in a separate pan. Add onions, garlic, and grated onion. Cook until onions are soft.
6. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and curry leaves. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Stir in coconut milk and salt to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Poori Masala
A flavorful and aromatic North Indian-inspired curry that combines the richness of garlic with the comfort of pooris (fried bread).
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, finely chopped
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add onions, garlic, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and salt. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in yogurt and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve with pooris (fried bread) and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Ginger Poori Masala
Warm up with this comforting and aromatic Ginger Poori Masala, a popular North Indian dish that combines the spices of garam masala with the zing of ginger. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with some crispy naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 inches of fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 cups water
– 4-6 pooris (deep-fried Indian bread) for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until the mixture is soft and fragrant.
4. Add potatoes, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
5. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. Serve hot with pooris and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lentil Poori Masala
A flavorful and comforting Indian-inspired dish that combines tender lentils with aromatic spices and crispy pooris (fried bread). Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 8-10 pooris (fried bread)
– Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook lentils according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add cumin, coriander, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add cooked lentils and stir well to combine with the spice mixture.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot pooris alongside the Lentil Poori Masala.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tamarind Poori Masala
This recipe combines the popular street food flavors of poori masala with the tanginess of tamarind, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup lukewarm water
– Tamarind paste (1-2 tablespoons)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Onions, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes for the masala
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water to form a smooth dough.
3. Knead for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions and roll out each portion into thin circles.
5. Fry pooris in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Cook onions, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes in a pan with some oil until they are soft and fragrant.
7. Add tamarind paste to the masala mixture and stir well.
8. Serve fried pooris with the flavorful tamarind masala.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 delicious poori masala recipes! This collection features a variety of flavorful and spicy dishes, each made with a base of crispy pooris (fried bread) served in a rich and aromatic sauce. From classic combinations like Aloo Poori Masala and Chana Poori Masala to more adventurous options like Paneer Poori Masala and Mushroom Poori Masala, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast or a satisfying dinner, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.