“Meve ki Gujiya” | Sweet Nutty Pastry
Dry Fruit Gujiya is a popular Indian sweet traditionally made during festivals like Holi and Diwali. It is a fried pastry filled with a sweet filling made of dried fruits, nuts, khoya (milk solids) and sugar. Dry Fruit Gujiya has a crispy outside and a soft, chewy filling that is flavored with cardamom, saffron and rose water. It is usually served as a dessert or snack, and is often accompanied by a cup of hot tea or coffee. Dry Fruit Gujiya is a quintessential part of Indian cuisine and culture, and is enjoyed by people of all ages during festive occasions.
Significance of Dry Fruit Gujiya in Indian Festivals
Nut Gujiya holds special significance in Indian festivals, especially during Holi and Diwali. In Indian culture, food plays an important role in bringing people together and strengthening relationships. During festivals, families and friends gather to celebrate and share food. Dry Fruit Gujiya is a traditional festival which is considered a symbol of love, affection and togetherness. It is a delicious and savory dessert that is made with great care and attention, often using age-old recipes that have been passed down through generations. Serving dry fruit gujiyas to guests during festivals is a way of showing hospitality and warmth, and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household. The aroma and taste of Dry Fruit Gujiya is also associated with the joy and enthusiasm of the festival, and is a dish that is relished by people of all ages.
History of Gujiya of Meve
Nut Gujiya has a rich history that is closely linked to the culture and cuisine of the Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have originated in the northern states of India, especially Uttar Pradesh, where it is a popular festival. The history of this dish can be traced back to the Mughal era, during which time it was prepared as a special dish in the royal kitchens. Nut gujiyas were initially made with a filling of khoya (milk solids), sugar and nuts and the dough was made using flour and ghee (clarified butter). Over time, people started experimenting with variations of the recipe by adding spices such as cardamom, saffron, and nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Today, dry fruit gujiyas are prepared in a variety of ways depending on the region and personal preference. Despite the variations, dry fruit gujiya remains a beloved traditional Indian feast enjoyed by generations of families and friends.
Ingredients Required to Make Dry Fruit Gujiya
To make dry fruits gujiya, you will need the following ingredients:
For dough:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup ghee or oil
a pinch of salt
water as needed
For stuffing:
1 cup khoya (milk solids)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios etc.)
1/4 cup chopped dry fruits (raisins, apricots, figs, etc.)
1 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
a pinch of saffron threads
1 tbsp rose water
For frying:
oil or ghee for frying
Note: You can increase or decrease the quantity of sugar and nuts as per your taste. You can also use dry coconut, jaggery or semolina instead of khoya for filling.
Step by step guide to make dry fruits gujiya
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, sift 2 cups all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt.
Add 1/2 cup ghee or oil to the flour and mix well with hands.
Add water gradually as required and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Cover the dough with a wet cloth and keep it for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Stuffing:
In a separate mixing bowl, crumble 1 cup khoya (milk solids).
1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup chopped mixed nuts, 1/4 cup chopped dry fruits, 1 tsp cardamom powder, 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder, a pinch of saffron and 1 tbsp Add rose water.
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Make Gujiya:
Take a small ball of the dough and roll it into a circle with a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Place a spoonful of stuffing in the center of the rolled dough ball.
Fold the dough to wrap the stuffing and press the edges to seal it.
Use a gujiya mold or a fork to make a decorative border around the sealed gujiya.
Repeat process with remaining dough and filling.
Fry Gujiya:
Heat oil or ghee in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
As soon as the oil becomes hot, put a few gujiyas in it one by one and fry them till they turn golden brown.
Take out the fried gujiyas with a slotted spoon and keep them on tissue paper to absorb excess oil.
Serve Gujiya:
Allow the gujiyas to cool at room temperature before serving.
Nut Gujiya can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Enjoy Yummy and Tasty Mew Gujiya on any festival or as a sweet snack anytime!
Variations in Dry Fruit Gujiya Recipe
Dry Fruit Gujiya is a versatile dish, and there are many variations to the traditional recipe. Here are some variations you can try:
Baked Dry Fruit Gujiyas: For a healthier version, you can bake the gujiyas instead of frying them. After shaping the gujiyas, place them on a baking tray covered with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Chocolate Nut Gujiya: Put a twist on the traditional recipe by adding chocolate to the filling. Melt some dark chocolate in a double boiler and pour it into the khoya filling. You can also add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolaty twist.
Coconut Nut Gujiya: To make Coconut Gujiya, replace khoya with dry coconut and sugar with jaggery. You can also add chopped nuts and cardamom powder to it for taste.
Semolina Nuts Gujiya: Use semolina instead of flour for kneading the dough, and add the stuffing of roasted semolina, dry fruits and raisins. Add a pinch of cardamom powder and nutmeg powder to enhance the taste.
Tasty Nuts Gujiya: Gujiya is usually a sweet dish, but you can make it savory by stuffing it with spicy mashed potatoes, peas and onions. Deep-fry the delicious gujiyas till golden brown and serve hot with mint chutney.
These are some variations of Dry Fruit Gujiya; Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to your liking.
Meve ki Gujiya for Festive Occasions
Dry Fruit Gujiya is a popular dessert usually made on festive occasions in India. Here are some tips to make the perfect dry fruits gujiya for festive occasions:
Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh khoya, nuts and dry fruits to make the filling of gujiyas. The fresh ingredients ensure that the gujiya tastes the best and has a long shelf life.
Knead the dough ahead of time: Prepare the dough for Gujiya a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. This makes the dough easy to handle and ensures that the gujiyas are crisp when fried.
Fry the gujiyas in ghee: Ghee gives rich flavor and aroma to gujiyas. Fry the gujiyas in ghee for a few seconds till they turn golden brown.
Store in an airtight container. After the gujiyas have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container so that they don’t get soggy. Nut Gujiya can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Serve with Love: Dry Fruit Gujiya is a sweet dish that is usually shared with friends and family during festivals. Serve them with love and spread the festive cheer.
With these tips, you can make the perfect dry fruits gujiya for your next festive occasion and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Making dry fruits gujiya at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you get a chance to enjoy a delicious dessert, but you will also be able to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Here are some reasons why you should try making dry fruits gujiyas at home:
Customization: When you make dry fruits gujiya at home, you have the freedom to customize the recipe as per your liking. You can experiment with different fillings, textures and flavors to create a unique version of this traditional dish.
Healthy option: By making dry fruits gujiya at home, you are in control of the ingredients and the cooking method. You can choose healthier options such as baking instead of frying, using natural sweeteners like molasses, and using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Affordable: Buying dry fruit gujiyas from a store or bakery can be expensive, especially during the festive season. Making it at home can be more cost effective and will save you money as well.
Fun Activity: Making dry fruit gujiyas at home can be a fun activity for the whole family. You can involve your kids in the process and make it a fun bonding activity.
Traditional Touch: Making Dry Fruit Gujiya at home gives you an opportunity to carry forward the tradition of preparing this sweet dish on festive occasions. It is a great way to connect with your cultural roots and celebrate the festive season with your near and dear ones.
in conclusion, making dry fruits gujiya at home is a great way to customize the recipe, make a healthier option, save money, have fun and carry on the tradition. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and try this delicious dessert!
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about dry fruits gujiyas:
Q: What is Meve’s Gujiya?
Answer: Dry Fruit Gujiya is a traditional sweet of India which is usually made on the occasion of festivals. It is a pastry filled with a sweet mixture of khoya, nuts and dry fruits, and is usually deep-fried until crisp and golden brown.
Q: Is Banana Gujiya healthy?
Ans: Dry Fruit Gujiya is a dessert and should be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. However, you can make a healthier version by using natural sweeteners, whole wheat flour, and baking instead of frying.
Question: How long do dry fruit gujiyas last?
Answer: Dry Fruit Gujiya can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I have Gujiya be frozen?
Answer: Yes, Dry Fruit Gujiya can be frozen for up to a month. Be sure to store them in an airtight container and allow them to thaw before reheating.
Q: What are some variations of Dry Fruit Gujiya?
Answer: Nut Gujiya can be made with delicious stuffing like coconut, chocolate, and even potato and peas. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes.
Question: How do I know that the gujiya is ready for frying?
Answer: The gujiya should be firm and hold its shape when pressed lightly. You can also try frying a small piece of dough to make sure the oil is at the right temperature.
Q: Can I make Wheat Gujiya without khoya?
Answer: Yes, you can make dry fruit gujiya without losing it by using a mixture of milk powder and cream.
Question: Can the dry fruit gujiya be made ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, the dry fruit gujiyas can be made ahead of time and kept in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Question: On what occasions are dry fruit gujiyas usually made?
Answer: Gujiya made of dry fruits is usually made for festivals like Diwali, Holi and Eid. It is also served during weddings and other celebrations.
