How to Make Shakar Para at Home?

Shakar Para, also known as Shakkar Pare, is a popular Indian snack that is crispy, mildly sweet, and utterly delightful. This traditional treat is especially enjoyed during festive occasions like Diwali and Holi. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and ghee, Shakar Para is easy to prepare and can be stored for weeks, making it a perfect tea-time snack.

Origin and Significance

Shakar Para is a widely loved snack in India, especially in North Indian and Maharashtrian households. It is often prepared in large batches during festivals as a sweet offering and is shared among family and friends. The name “Shakar Para” is derived from “Shakkar,” which means sugar in Hindi, indicating its sweet taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• ¼ cup semolina (optional, for extra crispiness)
• ¼ cup ghee or butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water (adjust as needed)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for flavor)
• A pinch of salt
• Oil for deep frying

How to Make Shakar Para

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, and cardamom powder.
2. Add ghee and mix well until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough. Cover and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

1. Divide the dough into portions and roll each portion into a thick sheet (about ¼ inch thick).
2. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small diamond or square shapes.

Step 3: Fry

1. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cut pieces in batches.
3. Fry them on low to medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

1. In a separate pan, dissolve sugar in water and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency.
3. Add the fried Shakar Para to the syrup and toss until evenly coated.
4. Spread them on a tray to cool down and allow the sugar to crystallize.

Serving and Storage

Once cooled, store Shakar Para in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 2–3 weeks. Serve them as a snack with tea or as a festive treat for guests.

Variations

• Savory Reduce or skip the sugar and add cumin seeds or ajwain for a salty version.
• Jaggery Shakar Para: Replace sugar with jaggery syrup for a more traditional and earthy sweetness.
• Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake the cut dough pieces at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until golden.

Shakar Para is a nostalgic and beloved Indian snack that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a festive delight or a crunchy tea-time companion, its simple yet irresistible flavor makes it a favorite across generations.

You may like this articlehttps://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Articles/History-of-Iconic-Indian-Sweets.html

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