Karanji Recipe is a traditional Indian sweet dumpling that is widely popular in Western India, particularly in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It is also known by different names such as Gujiya in North India and Karjikai in South India. The dumpling is made with a filling of sweet coconut, dry fruits, and khoya, which is then enveloped in a crisp and flaky pastry shell. The pastry is made by mixing maida (all-purpose flour), ghee, and salt to form a dough, which is then rolled out into thin circles and filled with the sweet mixture. The edges of the circles are then crimped and deep-fried to form the crisp, golden-brown karanji. This sweet treat is a popular snack and dessert item during festivals such as Diwali and Holi.

Here’s a recipe for a simple and delicious Karanji Recipe

Karanji Recipe Steps, Ingredients and Nutrition

Karanji Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup semolina (rava)
  • 1/4 cup fine sooji (cream of wheat)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 cups khoya or mawa
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/4 cup mixed dried fruit (almonds, cashews, and raisins)
  • Oil, for deep frying

Read also: Jowar Pops Recipe

Karanji Recipe Steps

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, semolina, fine sooji, ghee, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the lukewarm water and knead the dough until smooth. Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the khoya, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and mixed dried fruit.
  4. Roll out the dough into thin circles and cut each circle into half.
  5. Take one half and make a cone shape, fill with 1-2 teaspoons of the khoya mixture.
  6. Moisten the edges and fold the dough to form a semi-circle shape, making sure the edges are sealed.
  7. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough and filling.
  8. In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil for deep frying.
  9. Fry the Karanjis until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally.
  10. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  11. Serve hot or at room temperature.
  12. Enjoy your homemade Karanji

Karanji Recipe Nutrition

The nutritional value of Karanji Recipe depends on the ingredients used in making it. Typically, karanji is made with all-purpose flour (maida), ghee, sugar, and fillings such as coconut, khoya, and dry fruits.

Each karanji contains approximately 150-200 calories, based on the size of the dumpling. The majority of the calories come from carbohydrates, with smaller amounts of fat and protein. The sugar used in the filling provides a significant amount of the total carbohydrates.

The ghee used in the pastry shell provides a good amount of fat, including saturated fat. The dry fruits and coconut used in the filling also contribute to the fat content.

The protein content of karanji is low, with most of the protein coming from the all-purpose flour used in the pastry shell.

It is important to note that karanji is a high calorie and high-fat snack, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Karanji Recipe, also known as gujiya, is a traditional Indian sweet snack that is commonly made during festivals such as Diwali. It is a crescent-shaped dumpling filled with a sweet filling made of grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and dry fruits. Nutrition-wise, karanji can be high in calories due to the use of ghee and sugar in the filling. The use of dry fruits, coconut, and jaggery can add some nutritional value to the dish, but it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. In conclusion, karanji is a delicious and traditional sweet snack that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, due to its high calorie content, it is not recommended to be consumed in large quantities.