Obbattu

Obbattu, also known as Holige or Puran Poli, is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread. It originated in Karnataka and is a popular dish across many South Indian states, particularly Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The preparation involves a sweet lentil and jaggery filling enclosed within a soft, thin dough.

The dough is typically made from all-purpose flour (maida) or whole wheat flour, sometimes with a bit of oil or ghee to make it pliable. The filling is prepared by cooking chana dal (split chickpeas) or toor dal (split pigeon peas) until soft, then mashing it and cooking it with grated jaggery or sugar until it thickens into a smooth paste. Common flavorings for the filling include cardamom powder and sometimes nutmeg.

Once the filling is ready, small portions of it are flattened and then covered with small portions of the dough. The dough is then gently flattened and rolled out very thinly, ensuring the filling doesn't tear through. These delicate flatbreads are then cooked on a hot griddle (tava) with ghee or oil until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides.

Obbattu is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. It is usually served hot, accompanied by ghee, milk, or sometimes a sweet curry like coconut or jaggery-based milk preparations. The texture is a delightful contrast between the soft, chewy outer layer and the sweet, moist filling.