A deep-fried, puffed bread made with all-purpose flour, luchi is a staple in every Bengali household.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr
Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: Bengali, Indian
Servings: 15luchi
Author: Famidha Ashraf
INGREDIENTS
2cupsall-purpose flour
½teaspoonsalt
2tablespoonsghee
¾cupwaterwarm
cooking oil(for rolling)
Oil to deep fry
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Dough:
Combine flour, salt and ghee in a large bowl.
Rub the flour with both your hands until it resembles crumbs.
Gradually, add the water and use a circular motion with your fingers to incorporate the water into the flour and make a dough.
Knead the dough in the bowl or on the counter for 5 to 8 minutes or so to make a tight and smooth dough that is not sticky.
Coat the dough ball with some oil and cover it completely and let it sit aside to rest for 10 to 20 minutes.
Prepare the Luchi:
Divide the dough into equal balls (depends on your kadai size) I made a 3-inch diameter Luchi Pooris and got around 15 to 20.
Heat plenty of oil in a kadai until very hot.
Take a ball of dough and spread some oil on both sides and roll it out into a 3-inch circle.
Repeat the same process to roll out the rest of the dough balls and keep them separate and covered.
Start to fry by first testing the oil. Pinch a small piece of dough and drop it in the oil. If the dough sizzles up to the surface right away the oil is ready.
Slide the rolled-out Luchi Poori into the hot oil and immediately splash some hot oil over the top of it with a slotted spatula. This helps kick-start the puffing of the bread. You can also try and gently press down on the Luchi Poori for a few seconds with the back of the spatula to puff it up.
Flip over and fry the other side until golden brown.
Drain and remove the luchi poori and place it in a basket with paper towels.
Serve hot with Potato Masala, Cholar Dal or Kosha Mangsho, etc.
Notes
Never use flour to dust and roll the luchi dough. If the dough is sticky, then knead it again but don't omit applying oil before rolling.