Poppetjes Recipe – Sweet Puffy Wheat Dumpling
Introduction:
Poppetjes, a delightful and popular sweet treat from Parsi cuisine, is a wonderful combination of soft and fluffy dumplings with a subtle sweetness that makes them an irresistible snack. These tiny puffy wheat dumplings are made by mixing whole wheat flour and semolina (sooji), which are then fermented with toddy, allowing them to rise and become light and airy. After being shallow fried until golden brown, the dumplings are generously dipped in a rich sugar syrup, adding a delightful sweetness that complements their delicate texture. Perfect for tea time, this dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys traditional Indian snacks.
Cuisine: Parsi Cuisine
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1 cup |
| Coconut Milk or Toddy | 1 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sultana Raisins | 4-5 |
| Whole Almonds (Badam), powdered | 4-5 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2, skin removed and pounded |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
For the Sugar Syrup:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Cardamom (optional) | 1-2 pods (optional) |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and semolina (sooji). Add the toddy (or coconut milk, if you prefer) to the dry ingredients. Stir well to form a smooth batter that should have a medium thickness, similar to a porridge consistency. -
Fermentation:
Cover the batter and allow it to ferment for about 1 hour. This step is crucial for allowing the dumplings to rise and become light and puffy when cooked.
Step 2: Preparing the Dumpling Batter
- Flavoring the Batter:
Once the batter has fermented, add the sultana raisins, powdered almonds, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure that the dry ingredients are well incorporated into the batter. If the batter becomes too thick during fermentation, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.
Step 3: Frying the Dumplings
-
Heat the Paniyaram Pan:
Heat a paniyaram or a similar pan on medium heat. Drizzle a small amount of oil into each of the hollow cavities of the pan. -
Cooking the Dumplings:
Once the oil is heated, spoon about one tablespoon of the batter into each cavity. Let the dumplings cook for about 3 minutes on each side, turning them carefully until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
Step 4: Making the Sugar Syrup
- Prepare the Syrup:
While the dumplings are cooking, take a small saucepan and combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add a couple of cardamom pods to infuse the syrup with extra flavor (optional). Stir the mixture until the sugar has fully dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat once the syrup reaches the desired consistency.
Step 5: Dipping the Dumplings in Syrup
- Soaking the Dumplings:
Once the dumplings are fried to a crispy golden perfection, immediately dip them into the hot sugar syrup for about 10 seconds, ensuring they absorb just the right amount of sweetness. Be sure not to soak them for too long, as you want the dumplings to remain airy and light, with just a hint of syrupy sweetness.
Step 6: Serving
- Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Poppetjes hot, garnished with a few extra raisins or almonds if desired. They make an excellent snack, especially when paired with a steaming cup of Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Tea) for a traditional tea-time treat.
Tips:
- If you don’t have toddy, coconut milk works as a suitable substitute, though the batter might not rise as much.
- You can also make the sugar syrup ahead of time and store it, allowing for easy preparation when you’re ready to cook the dumplings.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a dash of rose water to the syrup for a floral twist.
Enjoy your homemade Poppetjes – Sweet Puffy Wheat Dumplings! A delicious blend of Parsi tradition and Indian flavors, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
