Stuffed Sweet Poori | Sweet Paratha | Rava Bobbattu

Stuffed Sweet Poori, also known as Sweet Paratha or Rava Bobbattu, is a traditional Indian delicacy that holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially in South India. This delectable sweet treat involves a rich, aromatic filling made from semolina (suji or Bombay rava) and sugar, infused with cardamom and fennel seeds. The filling is encased in a soft dough made from wheat flour, although it can also be prepared with all-purpose flour (maida) for a different texture. Whether deep-fried as a poori or pan-fried as a paratha, this sweet dish is perfect for festivals, special occasions, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. In this recipe, we will guide you through both methods, providing step-by-step instructions to help you recreate this delightful snack in your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 10 Minutes
Cooking time: 30 Minutes
Main ingredient: Rava or Suji (Semolina)
Course: Snack
Yield: 10-15 Pooris
Bowl measurement: 1 Bowl = 250 ml

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Roast the Semolina in Ghee
• Step 2: Cook the Semolina with Water
• Step 3: Add Sugar to the Mixture
• Step 4: Incorporate Spices and Cook Further
• Step 5: Finalize the Sweet Filling
• Step 6: Prepare the Dough
• Step 7: Knead the Dough
• Step 8: Prepare the Stuffed Balls
• Step 9: Flatten the Stuffed Balls
• Step 10: Deep-Fry the Stuffed Pooris
• Step 11: Serve the Stuffed Sweet Poori
• Alternative Method: How to Make Sweet Paratha or Rava Bobbattu
• Step 1: Prepare the Stuffed Dough Balls
• Step 2: Roll Out the Paratha
• Step 3: Cook the Sweet Paratha
• Step 4: Serve the Sweet Paratha

Ingredients

Semolina (Bombay rava or suji): 1 Bowl

Sugar: 1 & 1/2 Bowls

Cardamom powder (Elaichi): 1 tbsp

Fennel seeds (Saunf): 1 tbsp

Wheat flour or all-purpose flour: 2 Bowls

Cooking butter: Lemon-sized portion

Clarified butter (Ghee): 1 tbsp

Water: 3 Bowls

Salt: 1/2 tbsp

Procedure

Step 1: Roast the Semolina in Ghee

Heat 1 tablespoon of clarified butter (ghee) in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over low flame. Add 1 bowl of semolina (suji) to the pan. Roast the semolina gently for 6-7 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning. You'll know it's ready when it emits a pleasant aroma and turns slightly golden.

Step 2: Cook the Semolina with Water

Add 3 bowls of water to the roasted semolina. Stir well to combine and prevent lumps. Increase the flame to medium and continue to cook for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 3: Add Sugar to the Mixture

Once the semolina has cooked for a few minutes and thickened slightly, add 1 & 1/2 bowls of sugar to the pan. Mix thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Continue to cook on medium flame for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Spices and Cook Further

Add 1 tablespoon of cardamom powder and 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds (saunf) to the mixture. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes on medium flame, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Finalize the Sweet Filling

Add a little more ghee to the mixture to enhance its richness. Continue to cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. Once it reaches a thick, dough-like consistency, turn off the flame and allow the sweet filling to cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, add 2 bowls of wheat flour (or all-purpose flour), a lemon-sized portion of cooking butter, and 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Mix the butter into the flour thoroughly using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 7: Knead the Dough

Add water gradually to the flour mixture and knead it into a soft, pliable dough. The dough should be slightly loose but not sticky. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare the Stuffed Balls

Divide the dough and the cooled sweet filling into equal portions. The sweet filling balls should be slightly larger than the dough balls. Take a dough ball and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a sweet filling ball in the center and bring the edges of the dough together to enclose the filling completely, forming a smooth ball.

Step 9: Flatten the Stuffed Balls

Grease a plate and your fingers with a little ghee or oil to prevent sticking. Gently press the stuffed ball with your fingers to flatten it into a thick round disc, similar to a poori. Ensure the filling doesn't spill out.

Step 10: Deep-Fry the Stuffed Pooris

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide the flattened stuffed poori into the oil. Fry on both sides until they turn golden brown and puff up. Use a slotted spoon to remove the poori from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 11: Serve the Stuffed Sweet Poori

Your hot and delicious Stuffed Sweet Pooris are now ready to serve. They are crispy on the outside with a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth filling inside. Serve them immediately for the best taste.

Alternative Method: How to Make Sweet Paratha or Rava Bobbattu

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffed Dough Balls

As before, stuff the dough balls with the sweet filling. The process is the same as for the poori.

Step 2: Roll Out the Paratha

Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the stuffed dough ball on a floured surface into a thick, large round shape, similar to a chapati. Be careful to apply even pressure to prevent the filling from oozing out.

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Paratha

Heat a tawa or flat griddle over medium flame. Place the rolled-out paratha on the hot tawa. Cook on one side until light brown spots appear, then flip it over. Apply a little ghee or oil on both sides. Continue to cook until both sides are golden brown and the paratha is fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve the Sweet Paratha

Your delicious Sweet Paratha or Rava Bobbattu is now ready to serve. It's a less oily alternative to the deep-fried poori and equally delightful. Serve it hot with a drizzle of ghee if desired.

This versatile snack is perfect for functions, birthdays, kitty parties, or simply to enjoy with your family. It's a delightful treat that brings traditional flavors to your table.
Enjoy making this traditional Stuffed Sweet Poori and Sweet Paratha at home. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve them hot and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!