Talniche Pole
A delightful Maharashtrian crepe made from rice, poha, and toasted sesame seeds. Lightly sweetened with jaggery, these thin, soft pancakes are a perfect traditional breakfast or snack, offering a unique nutty and sweet flavor.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Grains and Seeds (Inactive time: 2 hours)
- b.Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water and soak it in enough water to cover for at least 2 hours.
- c.In a dry skillet over low-medium heat, toast the white sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and turn a light golden brown. Set aside to cool completely.
- d.About 15 minutes before you plan to grind the batter, rinse the thick poha and soak it in just enough water to soften it.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grind the Batter
- b.Drain all the water from the soaked rice and poha.
- c.In a high-speed blender, combine the drained rice, soaked poha, grated jaggery, and fresh grated coconut.
- d.Add about 1/2 cup of water and blend until you get a completely smooth, fine batter. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- e.Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the batter reaches a smooth, pourable consistency, similar to a crepe or thin pancake batter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Finalize the Batter
- b.Pour the batter into a mixing bowl.
- c.Stir in the toasted sesame seeds, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
- d.Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Pole
- b.Heat a non-stick tawa or a well-seasoned cast-iron griddle over medium heat.
- c.Once hot, lightly grease the tawa with about 1/4 teaspoon of ghee.
- d.Pour a ladleful of batter (about 1/4 cup) onto the center of the tawa and immediately spread it outwards in a circular motion to form a thin crepe, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- e.Drizzle a little ghee around the edges and on top of the pole.
- f.Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the top surface looks set and the edges start to lift and turn golden brown.
- g.Carefully flip the pole and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
- h.Fold the pole in half and transfer it to a serving plate.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the tawa lightly before each pole.
- c.Serve the Talniche Pole immediately while they are hot and soft, either on their own or with a dollop of fresh white butter (loni).
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The batter consistency is crucial. It should be smooth and pourable, not too thick or too watery, to achieve thin, soft crepes.
- 2Toasting the sesame seeds is a non-negotiable step. It unlocks their nutty aroma and is key to the authentic flavor of the dish.
- 3Use a well-seasoned cast-iron tawa or a good quality non-stick pan to prevent the pole from sticking, as the jaggery can caramelize quickly.
- 4Maintain a steady medium heat. If the heat is too high, the jaggery will burn before the inside cooks. If it's too low, the pole will become hard.
- 5This recipe is for an instant dosa and does not require any fermentation.
- 6For the best flavor and color, use dark, organic jaggery.
Adapt it for your goals.
Savory Version
Omit the jaggery and cardamom powder. Instead, add finely chopped green chilies, fresh cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the batter for a savory breakfast or snack.
Healthier TwistHealthier Twist
Replace half of the white rice with brown rice (soak for 4-6 hours) or millet like foxtail millet. You can also reduce the quantity of jaggery to your preference.
Aromatic FlavorAromatic Flavor
Add a pinch of nutmeg powder or dry ginger powder (sunth) along with the cardamom for a warmer, more complex flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Booster
The combination of rice and jaggery provides a quick source of complex and simple carbohydrates, making it an excellent breakfast option to fuel your morning.
Rich in Minerals
Sesame seeds are a great source of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, while jaggery provides iron. These minerals are essential for various bodily functions, including bone health and blood production.
Good for Bone Health
The significant amount of calcium from white sesame seeds contributes to maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Talniche Pole can be part of a balanced diet. It provides energy from carbohydrates (rice) and minerals like iron and magnesium from jaggery and sesame seeds. However, it is high in carbs and contains natural sugars from jaggery, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially for those monitoring their sugar intake.