Saffron Gujiya

Saffron Gujiya is a delicious Indian sweet dumpling traditionally made during festivals like Holi and Diwali. While Gujiya is more commonly associated with North Indian cuisine, Bihar also has its own variation of this sweet treat. Here's a recipe for making Saffron Gujiya, incorporating elements of both the North Indian and Bihari styles:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• Water, as needed

For the filling:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa), grated or crumbled
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron threads, soaked in warm milk
• Ghee for frying

Instructions:

• Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and ghee. Rub the ghee into the flour using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
• Slowly add water and knead into a smooth dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

• Prepare the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the grated khoya, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, golden raisins, cardamom powder, and soaked saffron threads. Mix well to form a uniform mixture. Set aside.

• Assemble the Gujiyas:

• Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Roll out each ball into a small circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
• Place a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center of each circle.
• Moisten the edges of the circle with water. Fold the circle over to form a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

• Fry the Gujiyas:

• Heat ghee in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
• Once the ghee is hot, carefully add the stuffed gujiyas in batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp on both sides.
• Remove the fried gujiyas using a slotted spoon and drain excess ghee on paper towels.
• Serve:
• Allow the gujiyas to cool slightly before serving.
• Saffron Gujiyas can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Enjoy these delightful saffron-infused Gujiyas as a sweet indulgence during festivals or special occasions!