Traditional sweet flatbread of western India—Puran Poli

Puran poli is a traditional sweet flatbread-based cuisine native to the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The word Puran refers to the sweet stuffing made by cooking chickpea splits and jaggery thoroughly into a soft mass, whereas poli refers to flatbread. Puran poli is a nutrition-rich traditional food that serves as the source of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. The rich nutritional profile of Puran poli is due to the ingredients used in the formulation of Puran poli. Additionally, the ingredients used are also excellent source of some biologically active components offering numerous health benefits. The preparation method involves several steps and each step is important in giving good sensory and textural characteristics to the Puran poli. The objective of this review is to highlight the technical knowledge related to the significance of individual ingredients used in the preparation of Puran poli, the method of preparation, the nutritional characteristics of the Puran poli, and, more importantly, the strategies to extend the shelf life of traditional Puran poli. The review also highlights the research gap and scope for future research that will assist in the commercialization of Puran poli preparation to cater for the increasing demand from consumers.