Before diving into the world of Poli, it’s important to understand the woman behind the name. Asha Devi Maharaj is a culinary icon and a pioneer in South African cooking. At 81, she remains one of the country’s most beloved chefs, celebrated not only for her remarkable recipes but also for her trailblazing career as the first Indian chef to demonstrate Indian cooking on South African television, back in 1977.
These polis stay fresh for 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can reheat on a tawa with a little ghee. They also freeze well (uncooked) – layer them with parchment paper and freeze. asha maharaj poli recipe
If you want to try variations, let me know if you would like to adjust this for (like vegan substitutes), want ideas for curry pairings , or need troubleshooting help for hard dough . Share public link Before diving into the world of Poli, it’s
What sets this recipe apart is the precise combination of boiling water, fat, and a unique rolling technique. These polis stay fresh for 2 days at
Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to a thickness of about 3 mm, aiming for a rectangle roughly 26 cm × 30 cm. Using an 8 cm cookie cutter, cut out as many round circles as possible. Gather the scraps, re‑roll gently, and cut out more circles until all the dough is used.
Flip the Poli over, brush the cooked side generously with melted ghee, and press down gently with a spatula to encourage puffing.