Ghughra Recipe
15 mins
2-3 people
10 mins
Introduction:
Ah, Ghughra! Just the name brings back memories of festive gatherings and family celebrations. I remember the first time I tasted these delightful little pockets of joy. It was during a Diwali celebration at my grandmother's house. As the sweet aroma of spices filled the air, I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly folded the dough, creating perfect little parcels of deliciousness. From that moment on, Ghughra became a cherished part of our family traditions, reminding me of the warmth and love shared during those special occasions.
Recipe of Ghughra Chaat
Ingredients:
Ingredients of Ghughra
For the Dough:
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2 cups Flour
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Salt, to taste
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2 tbsp Ghee
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Water, as needed
For the Stuffing:
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3-4 Boiled potatoes
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½ cup Green peas
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2 tsp Chopped green chili
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2 tsp Chopped ginger
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1 tsp Red chili powder
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1 tsp Turmeric powder
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Salt, to taste
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2 tsp Coriander powder
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1 tsp Garam masala
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1 tsp Dried mango powder
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3-4 tsp Chopped coriander
For Red Chili and Garlic Chutney:
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3-4 Soaked red chilies
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1 tbsp Garlic
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Salt, to taste
For Plating:
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3 tsp Red chili and garlic chutney
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3 tsp Sweet chutney
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3 tsp Green chutney
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1 tsp Chopped coriander
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2 tsp Sev (crunchy chickpea noodles)
Instructions:
Instructions of Ghughra
For the Dough:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, salt, ghee, and water. Knead into a smooth dough. Let it rest aside for 15-20 minutes.
For the Stuffing:
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a bowl, crush the boiled potatoes and add green peas. Mash the vegetables until well combined.
Step 3: Add Spices
Add chopped green chili, chopped ginger, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, coriander powder, garam masala, dried mango powder, and chopped coriander. Mix thoroughly until the stuffing is evenly seasoned.
For Ghughra Shaping:
Step 4: Roll the Dough
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into flat circles.
Step 5: Stuff the Dough
Place a spoonful of the stuffing in the center of each rolled dough circle. Fold and seal the edges to form the ghughra shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
Step 6: Fry the Ghughra
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the stuffed ghughras in medium-hot oil until they turn golden brown. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
For Red Chili and Garlic Chutney:
Step 7: Prepare the Chutney
In a mixer jar, add soaked red chilies, garlic, and salt. Grind into a smooth chutney paste.
For Finishing:
Step 8: Plate the Ghughra
On a serving plate, arrange the fried ghughras. Drizzle with red chili and garlic chutney, sweet chutney, and green chutney. Garnish with chopped coriander and sev.
Your delicious Ghughra Chaat is ready to be served and enjoyed!
About the Recipe:
Ghughra, also known as Gujiya or Karanji in different regions of India, is a popular sweet snack enjoyed during festivals like Diwali and Holi. These crescent-shaped pastries are made by filling a dough made from flour, semolina, or maida with a sweet mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, nuts, and spices. They are then deep-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy. Ghughra is often served as a dessert or enjoyed with a cup of chai as an evening snack.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure that the dough is rolled out thinly to achieve a crispy texture after frying.
- Seal the edges of the Ghughra tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
- Fry the Ghughra in hot oil over medium heat to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
- If baking the Ghughra, preheat the oven and brush the pastries with a little oil or ghee to help them brown evenly.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to your taste preferences by adding more or less jaggery.
- Experiment with different fillings such as dry fruits, khoya, or chocolate for unique variations of Ghughra.
- Allow the Ghughra to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth with the hot filling.
- Store leftover Ghughra in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispiness.
Pairing Guide:
Ghughra pairs perfectly with a hot cup of masala chai or a refreshing glass of milk. It can also be served alongside other festive sweets such as Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, or Rasgulla for a decadent dessert spread during special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ghughra:
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What is Ghughra? Ghughra is a traditional Indian sweet snack made by filling a dough with a sweet mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, nuts, and spices.
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What are the main ingredients used in Ghughra? The main ingredients include flour, semolina or maida for the dough, grated coconut, jaggery, nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios), and spices (such as cardamom and nutmeg) for the filling.
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Is Ghughra a deep-fried or baked snack? Ghughra can be prepared using both methods. It is traditionally deep-fried, but it can also be baked for a healthier alternative.
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Can Ghughra be made in advance? Yes, Ghughra can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. However, it is best enjoyed fresh.
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Is Ghughra a vegetarian dish? Yes, Ghughra is a vegetarian dish as it does not contain any meat or animal products.
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What is the origin of Ghughra? Ghughra is believed to have originated in Gujarat, India, and is commonly prepared during festivals like Diwali and Holi.
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Can I freeze Ghughra? Yes, Ghughra can be frozen after frying or baking. Simply allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
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How do I ensure that Ghughra stays crispy? To keep Ghughra crispy, store them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely. Avoid storing them in humid or damp conditions.
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Can I use different fillings for Ghughra? Yes, you can customize the filling according to your taste preferences. Some popular variations include using khoya, dry fruits, or chocolate as fillings.
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Can Ghughra be made gluten-free? Yes, Ghughra can be made gluten-free by using alternative flours such as rice flour or almond flour for the dough. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free for a safe preparation.