Poornalu | Purnalu | Poornam Burelu

Poornalu, also known as Purnalu or Poornam Burelu, is a traditional Indian sweet that is especially popular during festivals and special occasions. This delightful treat combines a sweet stuffing made from bengal gram and jaggery, enveloped in a crisp rice and black gram batter, and deep-fried to perfection. Whether you're preparing for a celebration or simply craving a sweet indulgence, Poornalu is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its rich flavors and crunchy texture.

Soaking Time: 6 hours

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Makes: 15 Poornalu (Depends on size)

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients for Stuffing
• Ingredients for Outer Layer (Batter)
• Preparing the Dough for the Outer Layer
• Step 1: Soaking the Ingredients
• Step 2: Blending the Batter
• Preparing the Poornam Sweet Stuffing
• Step 1: Cooking the Bengal Gram
• Step 2: Simmering the Mixture
• Step 3: Adding Jaggery
• Step 4: Cooking the Sweet Mixture
• Step 5: Cooling the Sweet Mixture
• Step 6: Shaping the Sweet Balls
• Step 7: Preparing the Batter
• Step 8: Frying the Poornalu

Ingredients for Stuffing

Bengal Gram (Chana Dal, Senaga Pappu): 1/2 kg

Jaggery (Bellam): 1/2 kg

Sugar (Panchadara, Shakkar): 1 cup

Cardamom (Elaichi, Yalukalu): Few

Ingredients for Outer Layer (Batter)

White Rice (Chaval, Biyyamu): 2 bowls

Black Gram (Urad Dal, Minapappu): 1 bowl

Salt: For taste, 1 tsp

Oil (Nune, Thel): For frying (I have used Priya Rice Rich Oil)

Procedure

Preparing the Dough for the Outer Layer

Step 1: Soaking the Ingredients

Begin by soaking 1 bowl of black gram (minapappu) and 2 bowls of white rice (biyyamu) in water for at least 6 hours. This soaking process is essential to soften the grains and prepare them for blending.

Step 2: Blending the Batter

After soaking, drain the water and blend the black gram and rice together by adding a little water to form a smooth paste. The batter should have a medium thickness, ensuring it coats the sweet stuffing evenly during frying.

Preparing the Poornam Sweet Stuffing

Step 1: Cooking the Bengal Gram

Soak the bengal gram (senagapappu) for 1 hour. After soaking, cook it in a pressure cooker with 1 or 2 glasses of water. Cook until it becomes soft and tender.

Step 2: Simmering the Mixture

Once the bengal gram is cooked after 3 whistles, reduce the flame to low and let it simmer for an additional minute.

Step 3: Adding Jaggery

While the bengal gram is still warm, mash the jaggery (bellam) and add it to the cooked bengal gram. Mix thoroughly to combine the sweetness evenly.

Step 4: Cooking the Sweet Mixture

Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens. If necessary, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.

Step 5: Cooling the Sweet Mixture

Allow the sweet stuffing to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, the mixture is ready to be shaped into round sweet balls (laddu).

Step 6: Shaping the Sweet Balls

Take small portions of the sweet mixture and shape them into round balls, similar to laddu.

Step 7: Preparing the Batter

Add 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of soda (uppu) to the batter to enhance the flavor and achieve a crispy texture.

Step 8: Frying the Poornalu

Take each sweet ball and dip it into the prepared batter, ensuring it is evenly coated. Carefully drop the coated balls into the preheated oil on medium flame. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Once fried to a perfect golden brown, remove the Poornalu from the oil and drain any excess oil.

Poornalu are now ready to serve! Enjoy this delightful sweet with family and friends.

Important Note: If using a wet grinder for preparing the outer layer, use 2 bowls of white rice (biyyamu) with 1 bowl of black gram (minapappu). If using a mixer or blender, use 1 and 1/2 bowls of white rice with 1 bowl of black gram.

Making Poornalu at home allows you to experience the authentic flavors of traditional Indian sweets. By following these steps carefully, you can create a batch of delicious Poornalu that are perfect for any festive occasion or as a special treat for your loved ones.