Diwali Series #5 "HOW TO MAKE GUJIYA WITH KHOYA AND SUJI: A DELICIOUS FESTIVE TREAT"

Gujiya is a popular Indian sweet pastry that's often associated with festivals like Holi and Diwali. These sweet dumplings are filled with a delectable mixture of khoya (mawa), suji (semolina), and a variety of other ingredients. Making Gujiya with khoya and suji at home can be a delightful culinary adventure, and it allows you to enjoy this classic treat whenever you like. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of making these scrumptious sweets in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

To make approximately 20 Gujiyas, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of salt
• Water for kneading

For the Filling:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa), crumbled
• 1/2 cup suji (semolina)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Ghee for deep frying

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. Start with the dough: In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and 4 tablespoons of ghee. Mix these ingredients until they resemble breadcrumbs.
2. Knead the dough: Gradually add water, little by little, and knead the mixture into a smooth, firm dough. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Making the filling: Heat a pan on low heat and add suji. Roast the suji until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.
2. Adding khoya: Once the suji is roasted, add the crumbled khoya. Continue to cook and stir until the khoya mixes well with the suji.
3. Adding sugar and flavorings: Add the powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder to the khoya and suji mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Incorporate dry fruits: Mix in the chopped nuts and raisins. Add the milk to make the filling slightly moist. The filling is now ready.

Shaping and Filling the Gujiyas:

1. Divide the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into small, equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a small disc, similar to a chapati.
2. Fill the Gujiyas: Place a spoonful of the prepared khoya-suje filling in the center of each disc. Be careful not to overfill.
3. Sealing the Gujiyas: Fold the disc in half, covering the filling, to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them together. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

Frying the Gujiyas:

1. Heat ghee for frying: In a deep pan, heat the ghee on medium-low heat. The ghee should be hot but not smoking.
2. Fry the Gujiyas: Carefully place a few Gujiyas in the hot ghee. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp, turning occasionally for even cooking.
3. Drain excess ghee: Remove the fried Gujiyas from the ghee and place them on a kitchen paper towel to remove excess oil.

Serving:

1. Cool and serve: Allow the Gujiyas to cool completely before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
2. Enjoy: Serve these delectable Khoya and Suji Gujiyas with a warm cup of chai or as a dessert after your meal.

Making Gujiyas with khoya and suji is a delightful culinary experience that allows you to savor the flavors of traditional Indian sweets at home. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create these delectable treats to share with your loved ones during festive occasions or whenever you're craving something sweet. So, why not give it a try and add a touch of sweetness to your life with homemade Gujiyas? Happy cooking!