Chiroti (Crispy Layered Sweet Puri)
Course: Dessert | Cuisine: Indian | Diet: Vegetarian
Chiroti, a delightful crispy, layered sweet puri, is a must-try treat for any festive occasion, especially Diwali. These delicate puris are flaky and crispy, dipped in a sweet cardamom-flavored syrup, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Though they may seem complex, following the precise steps will make this recipe an enjoyable and rewarding process. Perfect for family gatherings or as a gift during the festive season!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour (Maida)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee
- Water (for kneading dough)
For the Sugar Syrup:
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1/3 cup Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)
For the Ghee-Flour Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons Ghee
- 1 tablespoon Rice Flour
- 1/2 tablespoon All Purpose Flour (Maida)
For Garnish:
- Whole Almonds (Badam), chopped (as required)
- Pistachios, chopped (as required)
- Cashew Nuts, chopped (as required)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida) with ghee. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a firm, smooth dough, similar to that of puri dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside for 15-20 minutes to rest.
2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a pan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the flame to low and allow it to simmer until you reach a one-string consistency.
- Once the syrup reaches the right consistency, add the cardamom powder, stir well, and turn off the heat. Set aside.
3. Make the Ghee-Flour Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together ghee, rice flour, and maida. Stir until fully combined, then set this mixture aside.
4. Prepare the Puri Layers:
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Roll each ball into a large, thin circle (similar to making roti).
- Take the first rolled-out circle and apply a thin layer of the ghee-flour mixture. Place another roti on top and repeat the process of applying the mixture. Do this for the third roti as well, layering it over the second one.
- Once all three layers are stacked, carefully roll them up into a log, similar to making a Swiss roll.
- Using a knife, cut the log into small pieces (mini pinwheels). Repeat this process for the remaining dough portions.
5. Flatten the Pinwheels:
- Lightly press each of the mini pinwheels and flatten them into discs, which will form the chiroti dough.
6. Fry the Chiroti:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the prepared chiroti discs until they turn light golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the chiroti from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
7. Soak in Sugar Syrup:
- Immediately dip the fried chiroti into the warm sugar syrup, ensuring it is not too hot or at room temperatureโwarm syrup works best.
- Let the chiroti soak for about 1 minute or until it is well-coated with syrup.
8. Garnish and Cool:
- Place the syrup-coated chiroti on a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped almonds, pistachios, and cashew nuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Allow the chiroti to cool before serving. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your freshly made Chiroti as a dessert during festive meals, especially on Diwali. It pairs wonderfully with other Indian snacks like Instant Poha Chivda and Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Tea). Enjoy this sweet treat with your loved ones, and delight in the layers of flavor!
Tip: Chiroti tastes best when fresh, but you can store them for a few days in an airtight container. Reheat briefly before serving for the best texture.
