Delicious and Easy-to-Make Shakkarpare: A Traditional Indian Sweet Treat

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Maida)
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
  • Ghee for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a pan, add sugar and water and heat it until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep this sugar syrup aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cardamom powder.
  3. Add ghee to the flour mixture and mix well until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  4. Now, add the sugar syrup little by little to the flour mixture and knead into a firm dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
  5. After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions. Roll out each portion into a thick disc.
  6. Cut the rolled dough into diamond shapes using a knife or a pizza cutter.
  7. Heat the ghee in a deep frying pan on medium heat. Once the ghee is hot enough, drop the diamond-shaped dough pieces into it.
  8. Fry the dough pieces on low heat until they turn golden brown.
  9. Once the Shakkarpare are fried well, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper.
  10. Allow the Shakkarpare to cool completely. They will become crisp as they cool.
  11. Store the Shakkarpare in an airtight container. Enjoy them as a snack with tea or coffee.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour (atta) for a healthier version.
  • Add a pinch of saffron strands to the dough for a unique flavor and a vibrant yellow color.
  • Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios into the dough for added crunch and taste.
  • For a savory twist, you can add spices such as cumin powder, black pepper, or red chili powder to the dough.
  • Replace ghee with vegetable oil or melted butter for a vegan version of Shakkarpare.
  • Add a tablespoon of semolina (sooji) to the dough to give the Shakkarpare a slightly grainy texture.
  • Experiment with different shapes such as squares, circles, or triangles instead of the traditional diamond shape.
  • Dust the fried Shakkarpare with powdered sugar or a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for added sweetness and flavor.
  • Add a few drops of rose water or kewra water to the dough for a fragrant twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Recipe overview

Shakkarpare is a popular Indian snack that's often enjoyed during festive occasions. This crispy, sweet treat has a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Made with basic pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, ghee, and sugar, Shakkarpare is fairly easy to prepare at home. The recipe involves making a semi-hard dough, rolling it out, cutting into diamond shapes, and deep frying until golden brown. The end result is a batch of scrumptious, sweet snacks that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Once you try your hand at this recipe, you'll discover that Shakkarpare is not just tasty, but also quite addictive!

Common questions

  1. How long do Shakkarpare stay fresh? Shakkarpare can stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  2. Can I replace ghee with another type of oil? Ghee is traditionally used in Shakkarpare for its rich flavor. However, you can substitute ghee with an equal amount of melted butter or vegetable oil if desired.
  3. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe? The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to personal preference. However, keep in mind that reducing sugar too much may affect the texture and taste of the Shakkarpare.
  4. Can I make Shakkarpare without cardamom powder? Cardamom powder adds a delightful aroma and flavor to Shakkarpare. However, if you don't have cardamom powder, you can omit it or replace it with a pinch of cinnamon powder.
  5. Can I bake Shakkarpare instead of deep-frying? Shakkarpare is traditionally deep-fried to achieve its crispy texture. Baking may result in a different texture and taste. However, you can try baking them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Hailing from the heartland of India, Shakkarpare is a traditional sweet delicacy that has been savored for generations. Its roots can be traced back to the kitchens of North India, where it is often prepared to celebrate festivals like Diwali and Holi. A fascinating aspect of this humble snack is how it has travelled across the country, adapting to local tastes and preferences. While it is known as Shakkarpare in Hindi, the same sweet goes by the name of 'Shankarpali' in Maharashtra and 'Shakkarpara' in Gujarat. Despite the different names, the essence of the dish remains the same, winning over hearts with its crisp texture and subtle sweetness, perfectly paired with a hot cup of tea. This sweet snack's timeless appeal exemplifies how food not only satiates hunger but also carries the rich tapestry of culture and traditions, connecting us to our roots.

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.