Traditional Nevri Recipe: A Delightful Goan Sweet Treat

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Water, as needed for kneading
  • 1/2 cup Grated Coconut
  • 1/2 cup Jaggery
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, etc.)
  • Oil, for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ghee, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead to form a firm yet pliable dough. Cover the dough and set it aside for 20-30 minutes.
  2. For the filling, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the grated coconut and jaggery. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and the mixture comes together.
  3. Add cardamom powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and chopped nuts to the coconut-jaggery mixture. Stir well to combine and remove from heat. Allow the filling to cool.
  4. Divide the dough into small equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the circle.
  5. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal and form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to create a pattern along the sealed edge.
  6. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Once the oil is hot, gently slide in the prepared Nevri. Fry on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
  7. Remove the fried Nevri with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  8. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough and filling. Nevri is best served warm or at room temperature.

Tools for making

  • Large Bowl - to mix the dough and prepare the filling
  • Pan - to cook the coconut-jaggery filling
  • Rolling Pin - to roll out the dough into thin circles
  • Fork - to create a pattern and seal the edges of the Nevri
  • Deep Pan - for frying the prepared Nevri
  • Slotted Spoon - to remove the fried Nevri from the oil
  • Paper Towels - to drain excess oil from the fried Nevri

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour alternative instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.
  • Replace ghee with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a vegan version.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling for a different flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of jaggery.
  • Include dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates in the filling for added sweetness and texture.
  • For a savory twist, replace the sweet filling with a mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, and spices.
  • Try using different seeds like flaxseeds or chia seeds in place of poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
  • Add a dash of rosewater or saffron strands to the filling for a fragrant touch.
  • For a crunchier texture, roll the filled Nevri in breadcrumbs before frying.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Nevri, a traditional Goan sweet treat that's often prepared for festive occasions. This delightful pastry consists of a crispy outer layer made from all-purpose flour and ghee, stuffed with a rich filling of grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and chopped nuts. The sealed edges of the Nevri are usually crimped in a decorative pattern, adding to their festive appeal. The process of making Nevri involves preparing the dough, creating the sweet filling, shaping and stuffing the Nevri, and finally, deep frying them to golden perfection. Although the recipe calls for a bit of effort, the resulting Nevri are absolutely worth it. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and they're sure to be a hit with everyone. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to make your Nevri-making experience as easy as possible. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the art of crafting these delicious sweet pastries. Happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour. However, the texture and taste of the nevri may vary slightly.
  2. Can I substitute ghee with oil?
    Yes, you can use oil instead of ghee. However, ghee adds a distinct flavor to the nevri, so the taste may differ slightly.
  3. How can I make the filling sweeter?
    If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the amount of jaggery in the recipe. Taste the filling mixture as you go and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
  4. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
    Absolutely! You can experiment with the filling by adding ingredients like raisins, grated almonds, or even a pinch of nutmeg for additional flavor and texture.
  5. Can I bake the nevri instead of frying it?
    Traditionally, nevri is deep-fried, but you can try baking them as a healthier alternative. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. How do I store leftover nevri?
    Once cooled completely, store the nevri in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to a week.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles
  • Mixing Bowl - For combining the flour, ghee, and salt to make the dough
  • Pan - To heat and cook the coconut-jaggery filling
  • Fork - Used to seal the edges of the Nevri and create a pattern
  • Slotted Spoon - For removing the fried Nevri from the oil
  • Deep Pan - Used for frying the Nevri
  • Paper Towels - To drain excess oil from the fried Nevri

Origin stories

Nevri, also known as Karanji or Gujiya, is a beloved sweet treat that hails from the beautiful coastal region of Goa, India. Its origin is deeply rooted in the celebration of the Ganesh festival, one of the most significant Hindu festivals. The preparation and sharing of Nevri during this festival is a revered tradition, symbolizing the sweetness of bonding and festive cheer. The sweet filling inside the Nevri is thought to represent the sweet surprises of life hidden beneath the ordinary exterior, a philosophy deeply ingrained in Goan culture. The intriguing aspect of Nevri is its duality - the crisp exterior and soft, sweet interior, much like the welcoming yet enigmatic spirit of Goa itself.

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.