Traditional Sweets Made Healthy & Guilt-free: Karanji/Gujiya

Introduction

Karanji, also known as Gujiya in North India, is a traditional Indian dessert that is commonly relished during festivals such as Diwali and Holi. These delectable pastries, usually packed with a sweet blend of coconut, jaggery, and dried fruits, are deep-fried to a crispy golden finish. However, the enjoyment is often accompanied by feelings of guilt due to the high calorie content of frying in refined oils. But what if we could enjoy these holiday goodies without sacrificing our health? The solution is to fry with cold-pressed oils, which contain more nutrients and are a healthier option than refined oils. Let’s start producing guilt free sweet Karanji/Gujiya!

Benefits of Cold Pressed Oils

Before we begin the meal, let’s discuss why cold-pressed oils are a healthier option.

Cold pressing maintains the natural antioxidants and nutrients contained in oilseeds, resulting in vitamin and mineral-rich oils.
Lower Cholesterol: Cold-pressed oils include a greater balance of beneficial fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can aid with cholesterol management.
No Chemicals: These oils are extracted naturally, without the use of chemicals or high temperatures, so there are no dangerous residues.

https://healthyfibres.com/product/

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons semolina (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 1/4 cup cold-pressed coconut oil (or cold-pressed sesame oil)
• A pinch of salt
• Water, as needed

For the Filling:

• 1 cup grated dry coconut
• 1/2 cup jaggery (or organic sugar)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

For Frying:

• Cold-pressed oil of your choice (coconut oil, sesame oil, or groundnut oil)

Method

To prepare the dough, combine whole wheat flour, semolina (optional), and salt in a large mixing basin. Add the cold-pressed coconut oil and stir thoroughly until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Kneading: Gradually add water and work into a solid dough. Cover with a moist cloth and let aside for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling and Roasting: Dry roast the grated coconut in a skillet until it is just brown. Set aside.

Mixing: In the same pan, melt jaggery (or organic sugar) over low heat. Once melted, add the toasted coconut, chopped almonds, raisins, and cardamom powder. Stir thoroughly and simmer for a few minutes until everything is properly blended. Let the mixture cool.

How to make Karanji/Gujiya

Divide the dough into little balls before rolling them. Roll each ball into a tiny, 3 inch circle.
Filling: Place one spoonful of the prepared filling in the centre of each circle. Fold the circle in half to create a semi-circle, then seal the edges by pushing them together. For an added decorative touch, crimp the edges using a fork.
Frying

Heating the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat the cold-pressed oil of your choice over medium heat. Drop a little piece of dough into the oil to test its temperature; if it rapidly rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Frying: Carefully place the prepared Karanji/Gujiya in the hot oil. Fry in batches until they are golden brown and crunchy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Serving and Storing this guilt free sweet

Once cooled, your guilt-free Karanji/Gujiya is ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container to retain their crispiness for up to a week.

Conclusion

Making Karanji/Gujiya with cold-pressed oils not only adds a unique flavor but also makes these festive treats guilt free sweet healthier. By using nutrient-rich, chemical-free oils and whole wheat flour, you can indulge in these traditional sweets without the guilt. This festive season, give your favorite recipes a healthy twist and enjoy the best of both worlds—taste and health!

Happy Cooking and Happy Festivities!