Akki Masala Poori is a traditional South Indian breakfast poori made using rice flour, onions, fresh coconut, and aromatic spices. This rice flour breakfast poori looks similar to regular wheat pooris but has its own unique taste and texture. When fried, these pooris puff up beautifully and turn crisp on the outside while remaining light inside.
Unlike wheat-based pooris, akki poori is naturally gluten-free and very flavorful due to the freshly ground onion–coconut masala. The key step of mixing hot oil into rice flour helps achieve the perfect crispness. This dish is commonly prepared for breakfast and is enjoyed hot with coconut chutney or even on its own.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for Akki Masala Poori :
- 3 cups rice flour (regular store-bought or homemade)
- ¾ cup water or as needed (dough should be firm)
- 1½ tbsp hot oil
- 2 tsp salt or salt to taste
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- Oil for deep frying
For grinding:
- 6 green chilies (or more, to taste)
- Few jeerigemenasinakayi (optional)
- 1 tsp jeera / cumin seeds
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- ¼ cup coriander leaves
- 2 medium-sized onions
- ½ cup fresh grated coconut
Method:
How to Make Rice Flour Breakfast Poori :
Preparing the Onion Coconut Masala :
- Add onions, green chilies, jeera, grated coconut, coriander leaves, ginger, and optional jeerigemenasinakayi to a mixer jar.
- Grind first without adding water.
- Add water little by little and grind to a fine, smooth consistency.
Dough Preparation for Akki Poori :
- Take rice flour in a wide mixing bowl.
- Add salt and turmeric powder and mix well.
- Pour hot oil over the rice flour and carefully mix, as the oil is hot.
- Add the prepared ground masala and mix well.
- Knead into a firm dough, adding water only if required.
Shaping the Rice Flour Pooris :
- Use a poori press if available for uniform pooris.
- If you don’t have a press, take small portions of dough and press them gently using a plate or by hand.
Frying Tips for Perfect Puffed Poori :
- Heat oil on medium-high heat.
- Test the oil by adding a small piece of dough—it should rise immediately.
- Gently slide the prepared poori into the oil.
- Press lightly using a perforated ladle to help the poori puff up.
- Flip and fry both sides until light golden brown.
- Remove using a perforated ladle and drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
Serving Rice Flour Poori :
- With the given measurements, you can make around 35 akki masala pooris.
- Serve these crispy South Indian breakfast pooris hot with coconut chutney, onion chutney,
Tips for Perfect Akki Masala Poori :
- Dough should always be firm, not soft.
- Adding hot oil is essential for a crisp texture.
- Fry on medium-high heat for even puffing.
- Gently pressing in oil helps the poori puff well
Akki Masala Poori :
1. What is Akki Masala Poori ?
Akki Masala Poori is a traditional South Indian breakfast poori made using rice flour, onions, fresh coconut, and spices. It is pressed and deep-fried, similar to regular pooris, but has a distinct flavor and crisp texture.
2. Is Akki Masala Poori a breakfast dish ?
Yes, Akki Masala Poori is commonly prepared as a breakfast recipe in South Indian homes. It is filling, flavorful, and usually served hot with coconut chutney or eaten plain.
3. Why is hot oil added to rice flour ?
Adding hot oil to rice flour helps create a crisp texture and prevents the pooris from becoming hard. This step also helps the pooris puff up nicely while frying.
4. Can I make Akki Masala Poori without a press ?
Yes, if you don’t have a poori press, you can shape the dough by pressing small portions using a plate, banana leaf, or plastic sheet. The taste remains the same.
5. Why are my rice flour pooris not puffing ?
Pooris may not puff if:
- The dough is too soft
- Oil is not hot enough
- Pooris are too thick
Keeping the dough firm and frying on medium-high heat helps them puff.
6. Is Akki Masala Poori gluten-free ?
Yes, since it is made using rice flour, Akki Masala Poori is naturally gluten-free.
7. What can I serve with rice flour poori ?
Akki Masala Poori tastes great with coconut chutney, onion chutney, green chutney, or even plain yogurt. It can also be enjoyed on its own.