From The Kitchens of India: Ghevar

Sweet Delight from India: Ghevar Recipe

Ghevar is a traditional Indian sweet delicacy that holds a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts. Its intricate design and mouthwatering taste make it a must-have during festive occasions, especially during the Teej or Rakshabandhan festival. This sweet disc-shaped dessert is made from flour, ghee, and sugar syrup, and it is adorned with a variety of toppings like dry fruits and saffron threads. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delectable treat to indulge in the flavours of India!

Ingredients:

For the Ghevar:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup chilled milk
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Ice cubes for chilling the batter
• Ghee for deep frying

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon rose water

For Garnishing:

• Silver vark (edible silver leaf) or edible gold leaf (optional)
• Assorted dry fruits (sliced almonds, pistachios, and cashews)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour and ghee. Mix them well with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add chilled milk and ice-cold water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
     Add a pinch of cardamom powder to the batter and mix well.
   • To chill the batter further, place a few ice cubes in the batter and keep it aside for 10 minutes.

2. Fry the Ghevar:
   • Take a deep frying pan or kadai and add ghee for deep frying. Heat it on a low to medium flame.
   • Now, take a Ghevar mould or a wide-mouthed steel ring and place it in the hot ghee.
   • Pour a ladleful of the chilled batter into the mould carefully, allowing it to spread in a circular shape.
   • Fry the Ghevar on low heat until it turns golden and crispy. Gently remove it from the mould using a skewer, and drain excess ghee by placing it on a wire rack or absorbent paper.

3. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
   • In a separate saucepan, add sugar and water and bring it to a boil on medium heat.
   • Once the sugar dissolves completely, add the saffron strands and cardamom powder, and continue boiling until the syrup thickens slightly.
   • Turn off the heat and add rose water to the syrup, giving it a delightful aroma.

4. Assemble the Ghevar:
   • Dip each Ghevar into the warm sugar syrup for a few seconds, ensuring it absorbs the sweetness.
   • Place the soaked Ghevar on a serving plate and garnish it with silver vark or edible gold leaf (if using).
   • Decorate the Ghevar with sliced almonds, pistachios, and cashews, adding a rich texture and flavour to the dessert.

Your mouthwatering Ghevar is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips:

• The key to making perfect Ghevar lies in the temperature of the batter. Make sure to keep the batter chilled and use ice cubes to maintain its consistency during frying.
• Ensure the ghee is not too hot while frying the Ghevar, as it may lead to uneven cooking and affect the crispness.
• For a unique twist, drizzle some saffron-infused milk over the Ghevar before serving, enhancing its visual appeal and taste.

With this delightful Ghevar recipe, you can savour the authentic flavours of Rajasthan right in your own kitchen. This rich and exquisite sweet is sure to be the star of your festive gatherings and leave your guests wanting more. So, get ready to relish the traditional taste of Ghevar and experience the cultural richness of India through this delectable dessert!