How to make Bhakshalu, the specialty jaggery bread from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

2 days ago 8
ARTICLE AD BOX

How to make Bhakshalu, the specialty jaggery bread from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Bhakshalu is a festive sweet flatbread filled with jaggery and lentils, prepared in many Telugu homes to mark the new beginnings of Ugadi.Jaggery adds a beautiful earthly flavour to it and is quite similar to Pooran Poli which is made in Maharashtra. Here is a detailed step by step recipe by Chef Amanna Raju, Executive Chef, Novotel Hyderabad Airport.Ingredients

  • For the Outer Dough:
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour (Maida) or Whole wheat flour (Atta)
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder (for colour)
  • 2 tbsp Oil or Ghee
  • Water for kneading
  • For the Poornam (Stuffing):
  • 1 cup Chana dal (Bengal gram)
  • 1 cup Jaggery (grated or powdered)
  • 1 tsp Cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp Fennel seeds (optional)

Instructions1. Prepare the Dough:

  • Mix flour, turmeric, and oil.
  • Gradually add water to knead into a very soft, pliable dough.
  • Coat with oil and let it rest for at least 1–2 hours to ensure elasticity.

 Canva

2. Make the Stuffing:

  • Pressure cook the chana dal until soft but not mushy. Drain excess water completely.
  • Mash the dal or grind it into a smooth paste.
  • In a pan, combine the mashed dal with jaggery. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and loses moisture.
  • Add cardamom powder and mix well. Let it cool completely, then shape into lemon-sized balls.

3. Assemble and Roll:

  • Take a small ball of dough and flatten it into a small disc.
  • Place a poornam ball in the centre, pull the dough edges over the filling, and seal it.
  • ently roll it out into a thin circle using a rolling pin or by pressing with your fingers on a greased banana leaf or parchment paper.

4. Cook:

  • Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the poli on both sides with ghee until golden brown spots appear.
Read Entire Article