Authentic Bengali Labongo Latika: Sweet Fried Dumplings with Khoya and Nuts

Labongo Latika Recipe (Bengali Sweet Delight)

Labongo Latika is a traditional Bengali sweet that is a perfect blend of crispy dough, a rich and flavorful filling, and a fragrant sugar syrup. Often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, this delightful treat features a hint of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, along with a luscious stuffing of khoya, dry fruits, and nuts. The sweet is deep-fried to a golden brown perfection, then soaked in a syrup that makes each bite utterly delicious. Whether served as a festive dessert or after a hearty meal, Labongo Latika is sure to leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Bengali

Course: Dessert

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

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   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida) and baking soda. Add 2 tablespoons of ghee (or refined oil) and a little water to knead into a smooth, soft dough. The dough should be pliable, like dough for pooris.
   • Once the dough is ready, divide it into small balls about the size of a lemon.

2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

   • In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water. Add cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Heat the mixture on medium flame and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
   • Continue boiling the syrup until it reaches a 2-string consistency. You can check this by dipping a spoon into the syrup and allowing it to cool slightly before checking for the right consistency (when two threads form between your fingers). Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Filling:

   • Grate the khoya (mawa) and place it in a bowl. Add chopped cashews, raisins, and pistachios to the grated khoya and mix well to combine. The mixture should be well-blended and sticky. Keep the filling aside.

4. Shape the Latika:

   • Roll each dough ball into a small, flat circle (like a poori). Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each circle.
   • Carefully fold the edges of the circle over the filling, pinching the dough to enclose the stuffing completely. Seal the edges properly.
   • Prick a clove into the center of each dumpling for a signature look and additional flavor.

5. Deep Fry the Latikas:

   • Heat ghee or refined oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully drop the prepared latikas into the hot oil, one by one. Fry them in batches, ensuring that they don’t stick to each other.
   • Fry until golden brown and crisp, turning them gently to cook evenly on all sides.

6. Soak in Sugar Syrup:

   • Once the latikas are fried to a golden brown, remove them from the oil and immediately place them in the prepared sugar syrup. Allow them to soak in the syrup for about 15 minutes. This helps them absorb the sweetness and become soft inside.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • After soaking, remove the latikas from the syrup and arrange them on a serving plate.
   • Garnish with chopped pistachios for a beautiful, crunchy touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Labongo Latika during festive celebrations, family gatherings, or as a special dessert after a meal. It pairs wonderfully with Bengali Phool Gobhir Paturi and Bengali Luchi for an authentic Bengali meal experience.
• This sweet also makes for a thoughtful gift during festivals like Durga Puja or Diwali, sharing a slice of Bengali culture and flavor with loved ones.

Tips for Perfect Labongo Latika:

• Ensure the dough is neither too hard nor too soft to prevent the latikas from becoming tough or breaking during frying.
• Use fresh khoya for the best flavor. If khoya is unavailable, you can use milk powder as a substitute, though the taste will slightly differ.
• For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a touch of rose water or kewra essence to the sugar syrup.
• You can make the dough and filling ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the latikas just before serving for the crispest texture.

Labongo Latika is a beautiful and indulgent dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The crispy shell, the aromatic syrup, and the rich filling make each bite a celebration of Bengali culinary tradition. Enjoy this sweet treat and experience the essence of Bengali festivals and desserts!