Delicious Suryakala: A Traditional Indian Sweet Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of All Purpose Flour (Maida)
  • 1/4 cup of Semolina (Rava)
  • 1/2 cup of Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • 1/2 cup of Water
  • 1 cup of Sugar
  • 1/2 cup of Milk
  • 1 teaspoon of Cardamom Powder
  • 1/2 cup of Chopped Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios)
  • A pinch of Salt
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Add ghee to the flour mixture and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. Sprinkle water little by little and knead into a stiff dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup. In a pan, add sugar and water. Keep stirring on medium flame until you get a one-string consistency. Add the cardamom powder, mix well and turn off the flame.
  5. Divide the dough into small equal portions. Roll each portion into a small round puri. Place a spoonful of chopped nuts in the center of each puri.
  6. Fold the puri in half to form a semi-circle. Seal the edges by pressing lightly with your fingers. Make sure the edges are sealed perfectly so that the stuffing doesn't come out while frying.
  7. Heat the oil in a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, reduce the flame to medium and drop the prepared suryakala into the oil. Fry them on medium flame until they turn golden brown on both sides.
  8. While the suryakalas are still hot, dip them in the sugar syrup. Make sure they are completely immersed in the syrup. Let them soak in the syrup for at least an hour before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl to combine the flour, semolina, and other ingredients.
  • Pan - A cooking pan to prepare the sugar syrup.
  • Deep Pan - A pan to heat the oil for frying the suryakalas.
  • Spoon - To stir the sugar syrup and for various mixing tasks.
  • Rolling Pin - To roll out the dough into puris.
  • Knife - To chop the nuts.
  • Slotted Spoon - To remove the fried suryakalas from the oil.
  • Tongs - To dip the fried suryakalas into the sugar syrup.
  • Plate or Tray - To place the fried suryakalas and for serving.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier variation.
  • Add a teaspoon of rose water or saffron strands to the sugar syrup for a fragrant twist.
  • Replace the ghee with unsalted butter or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Try using different types of nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or shredded coconut for the filling.
  • Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey flavor.
  • For a savory version, skip the sugar syrup and stuff the dough with a spiced potato or paneer filling.
  • Experiment with different shapes like triangles or rectangles instead of the traditional semi-circle.
  • Add a teaspoon of nutmeg powder or cinnamon powder to the dough for a warm and aromatic taste.
  • Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top of the suryakalas before serving for extra sweetness.

Recipe overview

Suryakala is a traditional Indian sweet recipe that is often prepared for festive occasions. This delicious dessert is made from a dough of all-purpose flour and semolina, filled with a mixture of chopped nuts, and deep-fried until golden brown. Each piece is then soaked in a sweet, cardamom-infused sugar syrup. The result is a delectably sweet and crispy treat with a soft, gooey center. Though the process requires a bit of technique and patience, the end result is absolutely worth it. This recipe will guide you through each step with clear instructions, ensuring you can recreate this delightful sweet at home. Enjoy the process and the delicious reward!

Common questions

  1. How do I know if the sugar syrup has reached the one-string consistency?
    To check for one-string consistency, take a small amount of syrup between your thumb and index finger and gently pull them apart. If you see a single string forming and stretching between your fingers, the syrup has reached the desired consistency.
  2. Can I use any other type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    No, all-purpose flour works best for this recipe as it provides the desired texture and taste.
  3. Can I replace ghee with oil?
    Ghee adds a rich flavor to the suryakala, but you can use oil if desired. However, the taste and texture may differ slightly.
  4. Can I skip adding semolina (rava) to the dough?
    Semolina adds a nice crunch and texture to the suryakala. It is recommended to include it in the dough for the best results.
  5. Can I use any type of nuts for the stuffing?
    Yes, you can use your preferred nuts or a combination of almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
  6. Can I store the suryakala?
    Yes, you can store the suryakala in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing the ingredients.
  • Pan - A cooking utensil used for preparing the sugar syrup.
  • Deep Pan - A pan used for deep frying the suryakala.
  • Spoon - A utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - A tool used for rolling the dough into round puris.
  • Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes used for removing the fried suryakala from the oil.
  • Tongs - A tool for handling and flipping the suryakala while frying.
  • Serving Plate - A plate for presenting and serving the suryakala.

Origin stories

Suryakala, which translates to 'Sun Art', is a traditional Indian delicacy that is especially popular during festive seasons. The name is inspired by its unique sun-like shape, which is achieved by folding a circular pastry in half and filling it with a sweet mixture of nuts. This dish is steeped in culture and tradition, often served on auspicious occasions and festivals like Diwali and Holi. What makes Suryakala particularly interesting is the laborious and intricate process of its preparation; each pastry is handcrafted with meticulous care and attention. This speaks volumes about the Indian culinary tradition, which sees food not just as a means of sustenance, but also as an art form that brings people together in celebration.

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.