O God, give us not wheat but bread,
and give us not a vine but grapes.
Khwaja Abdullah Ansari
Luchis
Similar to puris but unsweetened, luchis are traditionally prepared on the fourteenth of Shaban for distribution, along with halvah, to the poor in Pakistani communities.
Total time 1-1/4 hours
6 cups flour
1-1/2 tbsp. baking powder
1-1/2 tsp. salt
2-1/4 cups milk
Vegetable oil for frying
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk. Stir until a soft dough is formed, then turn out onto a smooth surface and knead until it is smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside for thirty minutes.
Shape the dough into two-inch balls, then flatten each one into a flat circle about five inches across. Pour the vegetable oil in a heavy frying pan to one inch depth. Heat the oil, then fry the dough patties on both sides until each side is golden brown. Remove to a towel to drain off the extra oil, then serve warm.
