Authentic Chandrakala Recipe: A Sweet Indian Delicacy

Ingredients

  • For the dough:
    • 1 cup All Purpose Flour (Maida)
    • 2 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter)
    • Water, as needed
  • For the filling:
    • 1/2 cup Khoya/Mawa (Evaporated Milk Solids)
    • 1/4 cup Chopped Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, and Pistachios)
    • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
    • 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
  • For sugar syrup:
    • 1 cup Sugar
    • 1/2 cup Water
    • 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
    • 1/2 tsp Rose Water
  • Other:
    • Oil or Ghee for deep frying
    • Edible silver foil (Chandi ka varak) for decoration (Optional)
    • 2 tbsp Milk for sealing the dough

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and ghee. Add water slowly and knead to form a stiff dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. In a pan, roast the khoya till it turns golden brown. Allow it to cool.
  3. Once cooled, add chopped nuts, powdered sugar, and cardamom powder to the khoya. Mix well to make the filling.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a small circular disk.
  5. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the rolled dough. Apply some milk around the edges to help seal it.
  6. Take another rolled dough, place it on top of the filling, and press the edges to seal it completely.
  7. Use a cookie cutter or a small bowl to give it a neat circular shape. Remove the extra dough from the sides.
  8. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
  9. Heat oil or ghee in a pan for deep frying. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium and gently slide the chandrakala into the oil.
  10. Fry till it turns golden brown on both sides. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  11. To make the sugar syrup, heat water and sugar in a pan till it reaches a one-string consistency. Add cardamom powder and rose water.
  12. Dip the fried chandrakala in the sugar syrup for a few seconds and then take it out.
  13. Once cooled, you can optionally decorate it with edible silver foil.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Use semolina (sooji) instead of all-purpose flour for a different texture.
  • Add a pinch of saffron strands to the filling for a fragrant twist.
  • Include a teaspoon of rose water or kewra water in the dough for a subtle floral flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of nuts in the filling, such as walnuts or hazelnuts.
  • Add a tablespoon of desiccated coconut to the filling for a tropical touch.
  • Make a savory version by replacing the sweet filling with a spiced potato or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) filling.
  • Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds (saunf) to the filling for a hint of licorice flavor.
  • Replace the sugar syrup with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener.
  • Serve the chandrakala with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Recipe overview

Chandrakala is a traditional Indian sweet often prepared during festivities. This delightful dessert is made of crispy pastry filled with a sweet mixture of khoya and nuts, deep-fried to a golden perfection, and then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. It is indeed a treat to the senses with its contrasting textures and rich flavors. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through each stage of the process, from preparing the dough and filling, to frying and dipping in sugar syrup. While it might seem tricky at first, a bit of practice will make you a pro at assembling this sumptuous sweet. Whether it's a festival, a family gathering or you're just indulging a sweet tooth, Chandrakala is an exquisite choice to grace your dessert table.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
    Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste of the chandrakala may vary.
  2. Can I make the filling in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  3. Can I use store-bought khoya instead of making it at home?
    Yes, you can use store-bought khoya to save time. Make sure it's fresh and of good quality.
  4. Can I bake the chandrakala instead of deep frying?
    Traditionally, chandrakala is deep-fried for the authentic taste and texture. Baking may alter the results, but you can try it if you prefer a healthier alternative.
  5. Can I freeze the chandrakala?
    Yes, you can freeze the chandrakala. After frying, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Reheat in a preheated oven or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used for rolling the dough into thin circular disks.
  • Frying Pan - Used for deep frying the chandrakala.
  • Slotted Spoon - Used for gently flipping and removing the fried chandrakala from the oil.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the dough and filling ingredients.
  • Pan - Used for making the sugar syrup.
  • Cookie Cutter or Small Bowl - Used for shaping the chandrakala into neat circular shapes.
  • Paper Towel - Used for draining excess oil from the fried chandrakala.
  • Damp Cloth - Used for covering the dough and preventing it from drying out while resting.

Origin stories

Chandrakala is an exquisite dessert that hails from the vibrant culinary landscape of North India. Its name, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "moon art," which is an apt description for this sweet treat that mirrors the shape of a full moon. Chandrakala, along with its sibling dessert Gujiya, is especially prepared during the festival of Holi, marking the onset of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The sweet filling of Chandrakala represents the sweetness of relationships, while the outer crust symbolizes the sometimes hard exterior that needs to be broken to reveal the sweetness within. This rich symbolism, combined with the delicious taste of Chandrakala, makes it a beloved treat during festive celebrations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.