Surti Ghare: A Famous Traditional Sweet from Surat
Introduction
Surti Ghare is a delightful traditional sweet from Surat, made with khoya, dry fruits, and cooked in pure desi ghee. This delicious treat is perfect for festivals and celebrations, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of India.
Ingredients
- 250 grams of khoya (mawa)
- 2 tablespoons of pure desi ghee (for frying)
- ½ cup of chickpea flour (besan)
- 100 grams finely chopped almonds
- 100 grams finely chopped pistachios
- 1 cup of powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- Water (as needed for kneading)
Step-by-Step Method
- Roasting the Khoya: Start by crushing the khoya into small pieces. In a pan, add the khoya and roast it on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it turns fragrant and starts to separate. Once done, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a bowl.
- Preparing the Besan: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee. Once it melts, add ½ cup of chickpea flour (besan) and roast it on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Turn off the heat and let it cool.
- Mixing Ingredients: Add the roasted besan to the khoya in the bowl. Next, incorporate the chopped almonds and pistachios. Mix everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well combined.
- Adding Sugar and Spices: Once cooled, add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder to the mixture. Mix it well, ensuring the sugar is evenly distributed throughout.
- Kneading the Dough: For the outer layer, take 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix it with 3 teaspoons of ghee. Gradually add water while kneading until you form a firm but soft dough.
- Shaping the Ghare: After resting the dough for 10 minutes, take a small portion and flatten it into a round shape. Place a portion of the filling in the center and fold the edges over to seal it. Make sure there are no openings.
- Frying the Ghare: Heat ghee in a deep frying pan. Once hot, carefully add the filled ghare and fry them on a medium flame until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them gently to cook evenly.
- Cooling and Coating: Once fried, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess ghee. Prepare a sugar coating by mixing ghee and powdered sugar, then coat each ghare in this mixture and sprinkle with additional pistachios for garnishing.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference by varying the amount of powdered sugar.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron to the sugar coating mixture or mixing it into the filling.
- Variations can include adding different chopped dried fruits like cashews or raisins for additional texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Surti Ghare can be served as a dessert after meals or during festive occasions. Pair it with a cup of chai or milk for a delightful snack.
Storage Instructions
Store the ghare in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information
Each Surti Ghare provides a rich source of fats from the ghee and nuts, along with carbohydrates from the khoya and sugar. It is an indulgent treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.
FAQs
What is Surti Ghare?
Surti Ghare is a traditional sweet from Surat made primarily of khoya and fried in ghee, filled with nuts and sweetened with sugar.
Can I use store-bought khoya?
Yes, store-bought khoya can be used for convenience. Make sure it’s fresh for the best taste.
How long does it take to prepare Surti Ghare?
The preparation and cooking time can take about an hour.
Can I freeze Surti Ghare?
Yes, Surti Ghare can be frozen for up to a month. Just ensure they are tightly packed in an airtight container.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian since it uses ghee and does not contain any meat products.
What can I use instead of ghee?
You can substitute ghee with oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I add more dry fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
What is the best way to serve Surti Ghare?
Surti Ghare is best served warm as a dessert. You can also enjoy them with tea or coffee.
How do I know when the ghee is hot enough for frying?
The ghee is ready when a small piece of dough dropped into it sizzles and rises to the surface.
Can children eat Surti Ghare?
Yes, as long as they are not allergic to the ingredients, Surti Ghare is safe for children.
