Are you looking for a delicious and crispy snack to munch on? Look no further than shakarpara, a popular Indian sweet that is commonly enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. Shakarpara, also known as shakkar pare, is a simple and easy-to-make snack that can be prepared at home with just a few ingredients. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe on how to make shakarpara along with some expert tips to ensure that your shakarpara turns out perfect every time.
What is Shakarpara?
Shakarpara is a popular Indian sweet that is enjoyed all over the country. It is a crispy and crunchy snack that is made by deep-frying small pieces of dough and then coating them with sugar syrup. Shakarpara is often served during festivals like Diwali and Holi and is also a common snack that is enjoyed with tea or coffee.
Ingredients Required to Make Shakarpara
To make shakarpara, you will need the following ingredients:
● All-purpose flour (maida)
● Semolina (suji)
● Ghee (clarified butter)
● Powdered sugar
● Water
● Oil (for deep-frying)
Making the Dough for Shakarpara
To make the dough for shakarpara, you will need to combine all-purpose flour, semolina and ghee in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture. Gradually add water to the mixture and knead it into a smooth and firm dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Making Khurma by Frying Method
Once the dough has rested, divide it into small equal-sized balls. Roll out each ball into a thin sheet and cut it into small diamond-shaped pieces using a knife or cookie cutter. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diamond-shaped dough pieces and fry them until they turn golden brown in colour. Remove them from the oil and let them cool on a paper towel.
Making Sugar Syrup
To make the sugar syrup, you will need to heat water and sugar in a saucepan. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and then let it simmer on low heat for 4-5 minutes. The sugar syrup should be of one-string consistency, which means that if you take a small drop of syrup between your thumb and index finger and pull them apart, a single string should form.
Coating Khurma with Sugar Syrup
Once the khurma has cooled down, immerse it in the sugar syrup and let it soak for 2-3 minutes. Remove the khurma from the sugar syrup and let it dry on a wire rack. The sugar syrup will harden and form a crunchy coating on the khurma.
Expert Tips to Make Shakarpara
● Use ghee instead of butter or oil to make the dough as it will make the shakarpara crispy and give it a nice flavour.
● Do not overcook the sugar syrup as it can become too thick and hard, making it difficult to coat the khurma.
● Make sure to fry the khurma on medium heat as high heat can burn the dough.
Conclusion
Shakarpara is a tasty and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and some expert tips, you can make delicious and crispy shakarpara at home. Whether you're enjoying it during a festival or as an evening snack with tea or coffee, shakarpara is sure to become your new favourite treat.
FAQs
Can I use wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make shakarpara?
Yes, you can use wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make shakarpara. However, the texture and taste of the shakarpara may differ slightly.
How long can I store shakarpara?
You can store shakarpara in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Can I make shakarpara without semolina?
Yes, you can make shakarpara without semolina, but the texture of the shakarpara will be slightly different.
Can I add cardamom powder to the dough to give it flavour?
Yes, you can add cardamom powder to the dough to give it a nice flavour.