Gujiyas Recipe


Gujiyas Recipe



10 mins
4-5 servings
15 mins




 

Introduction:

 

Let me take you back to the vibrant days of Holi, where the air is filled with laughter, colors, and the sweet aroma of Gujiyas wafting from every kitchen. One of my fondest memories of this festival is helping my grandmother prepare these delectable treats. From shaping the dough to stuffing it with the luscious filling, every step was a labor of love and tradition. The first bite into a freshly fried Gujiya would always transport me to a realm of pure joy and nostalgia. Today, I'm thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you, along with all the warmth and memories it brings.

 

 

Recipe of Gujiya (Mawa and Masala)

 

For Dough:

  • 2 cups flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp ghee

For Meethi (Sweet) Gujiya Stuffing:

  • 1 cup khoya (mawa)
  • ½ tbsp ghee
  • ⅓ cup chopped dry fruits (cashews, almonds, raisins)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder

For Masala (Savoury) Stuffing:

  • 1/2 cup boiled sweet corn kernels
  • 2 tbsp soybean oil
  • 1 tsp ginger-green chilly, crushed
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds, saunf, and coriander seeds, crushed together
  • 1 pinch Hing (asafoetida)
  • 1 lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup besan (gram flour)
  • 1/2 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste

 

Oil for deep frying

 

 

Method:

 

For Dough:

  1. Mix together flour, salt, and ghee to form a sand-like consistency.
  2. Knead the tight dough using a little water and set it aside.

For Sweet Gujiya Stuffing:

  1. Heat ghee and add chopped dried fruits, roast on low heat.
  2. Add khoya, cardamom powder, and sugar, mix well.

For Masala Stuffing:

  1. Heat oil, temper it with crushed cumin, saunf, and coriander seeds, add ginger-green chilly, and sauté.
  2. Add hing and cook for a few minutes.
  3. Mix in boiled corn kernels and cook further.
  4. Add besan, amchur, red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt, cook well on medium heat.

Assembly:

  1. Roll the dough for sweet stuffing into a circle and rectangle for savoury stuffing.
  2. For sweet gujiya, stuff spoonful of the sweet mixture into a circle, fold it, and secure well by twisting the ends.
  3. For savoury gujiya, place one sheet at the bottom, add a spoonful of savoury mixture, leaving sides, place one more sheet to cover the mixture, seal the edges with a fork.
  4. Heat oil on medium flame and deep fry both the gujiyas till golden brown.

 

Serve hot!

 

 

 

About the Recipe:

 

Gujiyas are traditional Indian sweets commonly made during festivals like Holi and Diwali. These crescent-shaped dumplings are made by stuffing a sweet filling, usually consisting of khoya (reduced milk), nuts, and coconut, into a crispy, deep-fried pastry shell. Once fried to golden perfection, they are dipped in sugar syrup or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Gujiyas are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of celebration and togetherness, making them an integral part of festive traditions across India.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

  1. Perfect the dough: Ensure that the dough for making Gujiyas is neither too soft nor too stiff. It should have a smooth texture that is easy to roll out and shape.
  2. Even stuffing distribution: Distribute the filling evenly across the rolled-out dough to ensure that each Gujiya has a balanced amount of sweetness and flavor.
  3. Seal the edges well: Properly seal the edges of the Gujiyas to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. You can use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges securely.
  4. Maintain oil temperature: Fry the Gujiyas in oil that is heated to the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, they may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
  5. Drain excess oil: After frying, place the Gujiyas on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil before serving. This helps to keep them crispy and less greasy.
  6. Store properly: Store Gujiyas in an airtight container once they have cooled down completely. They can be kept at room temperature for several days or refrigerated for longer shelf life.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Gujiyas pair well with a variety of beverages and accompaniments, including:

 

  • Masala chai or ginger tea
  • Thandai (spiced milk beverage)
  • Rabri (sweetened condensed milk)
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Coconut ladoo or other Indian sweets
  • Pistachio or almond milkshake

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gujiyas:

 

  1. What are Gujiyas? Gujiyas are traditional Indian sweets made by stuffing a sweet filling into a crispy, deep-fried pastry shell. They are commonly prepared during festivals like Holi and Diwali.

  2. What is the filling inside Gujiyas? The filling inside Gujiyas typically consists of khoya (reduced milk), nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios), desiccated coconut, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron.

  3. How are Gujiyas made? Gujiyas are made by rolling out dough, placing a spoonful of filling in the center, folding the dough over to form a crescent shape, and then sealing the edges. They are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

  4. Can Gujiyas be baked instead of fried? While traditionally Gujiyas are deep-fried for a crispy texture, they can also be baked in the oven for a healthier alternative. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

  5. How long do Gujiyas stay fresh? Gujiyas can stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life.

  6. Can Gujiyas be frozen? Yes, Gujiyas can be frozen for extended storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw and reheat before serving.

  7. Are Gujiyas vegan-friendly? Traditional Gujiyas are not vegan-friendly as they contain dairy products like khoya. However, vegan alternatives can be used to make a dairy-free version of this sweet treat.

  8. Can I customize the filling in Gujiyas? Yes, you can customize the filling in Gujiyas according to your taste preferences by adding ingredients like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or flavored syrups.

  9. What is the significance of Gujiyas in Indian festivals? Gujiyas are considered auspicious and are often offered as prasad (religious offering) during Hindu festivals. They symbolize prosperity, sweetness, and the joy of celebration.

  10. Can I make mini Gujiyas instead of large ones? Yes, you can make mini Gujiyas by using smaller portions of dough and filling. Mini Gujiyas are perfect for serving as bite-sized treats or for gifting during festive occasions.