Delicious Homemade Shankarpale Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
Pinch of salt
Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

In a pan, combine the sugar and water. Stir over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt.
Add the melted ghee to the flour and mix it well.
Gradually add the sugar syrup to the flour mixture and knead it into a smooth, stiff dough.
Divide the dough into small portions. Roll out each portion into a thin sheet.
Cut the rolled dough into diamond shapes using a knife or a cookie cutter.
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add the diamond shaped dough pieces and deep fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Remove the fried Shankarpale onto a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized pan to prepare the sugar syrup.
Large Bowl - A bowl to mix the flour, ghee, and sugar syrup.
Knife or Cookie Cutter - To cut the rolled dough into diamond shapes.
Deep Frying Pan - A pan to deep fry the Shankarpale.
Paper Towel - To remove excess oil from the fried Shankarpale.
Airtight Container - To store the Shankarpale and keep them fresh.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
Add a teaspoon of cardamom powder or nutmeg powder to the dough for a fragrant twist.
Replace ghee with butter or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
Add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios to enhance the texture and flavor.
For a savory variation, add spices like cumin, chili powder, or black pepper to the dough.
Instead of deep frying, you can bake the Shankarpale in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Recipe overview

Shankarpale is a traditional Indian sweet snack, popularly made during festivals like Diwali. Known for its delicate, diamond shapes and sweet, crunchy taste, Shankarpale is a delight for people of all ages. This recipe guides you through a simple process to make Shankarpale at home with just a few common ingredients. By following these steps, you can expect to enjoy a homemade batch of these delightful treats. They are perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or to share with family and friends during festive celebrations. Remember, the key to perfect Shankarpale is frying them on a medium heat until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Happy cooking!

Common questions

Can I use butter instead of ghee? No, ghee is traditionally used in Shankarpale to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Butter may not give the same results.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ slightly.
How long can I store Shankarpale? If stored in an airtight container, Shankarpale can stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
Can I bake Shankarpale instead of deep frying? Shankarpale is traditionally deep-fried, but you can try baking them at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are lightly golden.
Can I add any flavorings or spices to Shankarpale? Shankarpale is typically made plain with a hint of sweetness. However, you can experiment by adding cardamom powder, nutmeg, or even a pinch of saffron for additional flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin sheets.
Knife or Cookie Cutter - Used to cut the rolled dough into diamond shapes.
Deep Frying Pan - Used for deep frying the Shankarpale.
Paper Towel - Used to drain excess oil from the fried Shankarpale.
Airtight Container - Used for storing the Shankarpale to maintain freshness.

Origin stories

Shankarpale is a traditional Maharashtrian snack that has been a part of Indian culture for centuries, particularly popular during the Diwali festival. The sweet, diamond-shaped treat holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it is often made at home with family. Its simplicity in ingredients and preparation belies its festive significance. The ritual of making Shankarpale often involves multiple generations coming together in the kitchen, the elders passing down the recipe to the younger ones, with stories, laughter, and warmth filling the room along with the sweet aroma. It's a snack that's more than just food; it's a celebration of togetherness and tradition.

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.