๐โจ Poori Bhaji
Puffed golden pooris paired with soft, spiced potato masala โ a timeless South Indian breakfast duo
Spice Level: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Serves: 4
Calories (approx): Poori ~150 kcal each | Bhaji/Potato Masala ~120 kcal per serving
๐ Tiffin & Temple Bells
๐ฟ Introduction
Poori and Bhaji/Potato Masala โ one of the most joyful South Indian breakfast pairings.
Crisp, puffed pooris made from whole wheat dough meet a warm, fragrant potato masala.
Simple ingredients, quick preparation, and a combination so comforting it turns any morning into celebration.
โA golden puff of happiness, paired with warm, spiced simplicity.โ
Poori Bhaji
Photo by Stirred By Spice
๐ Ingredients
For the Poori
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tbsp semolina (for crispness)
1 tsp oil
Salt to taste
Warm water (as needed)
Oil for deep frying
For the Bhaji/Potato Masala
3โ4 medium potatoes, boiled and crumbled
1 large onion, sliced
2 green chilies, slit
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp urad dal
1 tsp chana dal
1 sprig curry leaves
ยฝ tsp turmeric
1 tsp ginger, grated
Salt to taste
Water as needed
Fresh coriander for garnish
Note: Potatoes rely on good storage โ *our potato care guide explains how to keep them at their best.
๐ฝ๏ธ Instructions
1. Prepare the Poori Dough
Mix wheat flour, semolina, salt, and oil.
Add warm water and knead into a tight, smooth dough.
Rest for 10 minutes.
2. Shape the Pooris
Divide dough into small balls.
Roll into small circles (slightly thick).
3. Fry the Pooris
Heat oil well.
Slide in a poori and gently press with a slotted spoon until it puffs.
Flip and fry until golden.
Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Aloo Masala
Heat oil; add mustard, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves.
Add onions, chilies, and ginger; sautรฉ until soft.
Add turmeric, salt, and potatoes.
Add a little water to adjust consistency.
Simmer 3โ4 minutes.
Garnish with coriander.
*Note : For deep frying at home, I usually reach for a small cast-iron kadai, like this one.
It holds heat steadily and keeps the oil temperature consistent โ
which makes a noticeable difference for dishes like poori or fish fry.
๐ท Optional Serving Notes
Serve pooris with bhaji/potato masala or spicy vegetable kurma.
For a festive tiffin, add kesari on the side.
๐ฌ Soulful Note
Few joys compare to watching a poori rise in hot oil โ a fleeting golden balloon of comfort, always met with delight and nostalgia.
๐ Cookโs Wisdom / FAQs
Cook's Wisdom
Tip: Poori dough must be tight, not soft โ this ensures puffing.
Oil must be hot but not smoking for perfect poori rise.
Add a pinch of sugar to the dough for subtle golden color.
For fluffier aloo masala, mash half the potatoes and leave some chunky.
Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
๐ Nutrition (Per Serving โ Approx.)
Each Poori
Calories 150
Protein 3g
Carbs 18g
Fat 7g
Bhaji/Potato Masala -per serving
Calories 120
Protein 3g
Carbs 20g
Fat 3g
๐๐ถ๐ The Bottom Line
A classic pairing that feels warm, joyful, and celebratory โ Poori and Bhaji is South Indian comfort in its happiest form.
๐งก Meet the Heart Behind the Spice
Hi, Iโm Maya Shetty โ cook, storyteller, and spice lover.
Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart โ where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.
๐ฌ Iโd Love to Hear From You!
Your words, memories, and reflections mean the world to me.
Share your thoughts using the form below โ I read every message.
ยฉ 2025 Stirred By Spice | Designed with warmth ๐ถ๏ธ & storiess ๐ช. All rights reserved