Gujiya is a popular Indian sweet, especially during festivals like Holi and Diwali. It is a deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of khoya (mawa), dried fruits, and nuts. Here's a simple recipe for Mawa Gujiya.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- Water (as needed to knead the dough)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup khoya (mawa)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
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For the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and ghee.
- Slowly add water and knead to form a smooth and firm dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
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For the Filling:
- In a pan, crumble and roast the khoya until it turns golden brown.
- Add powdered sugar, chopped nuts, desiccated coconut, cardamom powder, and saffron strands.
- Mix well and cook the filling for a few minutes until it comes together. Remove from heat and let it cool.
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Assembling the Gujiya:
- Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a small ball.
- Roll the ball into a small disc, similar to a poori but a bit thicker.
- Place a spoonful of the khoya filling in the center of the disc.
- Fold the disc over to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges by pressing them together. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the sealed edges.
- Continue this process with the remaining dough and filling.
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Frying the Gujiya:
- Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Carefully slide the assembled gujiyas into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the fried gujiyas and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
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Serving:
- Allow the gujiyas to cool before serving.
- Store them in an airtight container once they are completely cooled.
Enjoy your homemade Mawa Gujiyas! They make for a delicious treat during festive occasions.