Are you a fan of Indian cuisine and looking to try your hand at making a traditional Indian sweet treat?
Look no further than gulgula!
This doughnut-like dessert is a popular choice for Hindu prayers and celebrations, but can also be enjoyed on a daily basis with a cup of tea.
While many recipes call for all-purpose flour and baking powder, we’ll be exploring how to make gulgula with self-raising flour.
It’s a simple and delicious recipe that’s perfect for gifting or sharing during Eid or Diwali/Deepavali.
So, let’s get started and learn how to make this tasty treat!
How To Make Gulgula With Self Raising Flour?
To make gulgula with self-raising flour, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup self-raising flour
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
– 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
– 170 ml cold milk
– Vegetable oil for deep frying
– Bowl of water for dampening hands
Here’s how to make it:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, desiccated coconut, granulated sugar, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
2. Add in the vanilla essence and pour in the cold milk. Mix until it forms a batter. The batter should be thick enough to form ball shapes when frying.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot for deep frying on medium heat.
4. Once the oil is hot enough, wet your hand in the bowl of water and scoop a portion of the mixture in your hand.
5. Drop the dough into the hot oil using a pushing motion with your thumb – taking your thumb into your palm and pushing out towards your fingers to release the dough.
6. Allow the gulgulas to fry until golden brown.
7. Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon or spider utensil to remove the gulgulas from the oil.
8. Place them onto paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
9. Serve while hot and enjoy!
What Is Gulgula And Its Cultural Significance?
Gulgula, also known as Pua or Pooda, is a popular North Indian deep-fried sweet made from whole wheat flour, sugar or jaggery, and fennel seeds. These crispy, soft, and fluffy balls are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Gulgulas are similar to fried doughnuts and can be made with various ingredients such as yogurt, oil, and water.
In North Indian culture, gulgulas are a significant dish during festivals and celebrations. They are often served during Diwali, Holi, and other special occasions. Gulgulas are also commonly offered to deities during religious ceremonies as a form of worship.
Apart from its cultural significance, gulgulas hold an important place in Indian cuisine. They are known for their unique taste and texture and are loved by people of all ages. Gulgulas are also believed to have various health benefits due to the use of whole wheat flour and fennel seeds in the recipe.
Why Use Self-raising Flour For Gulgula?
Self-raising flour is a great option to use when making gulgula. This is because it already contains baking powder, which allows the dough to puff up in the oil without the need for additional baking powder. This saves time and effort in measuring out the correct amount of baking powder and ensures that the gulgulas come out light and fluffy. Additionally, using self-raising flour simplifies the recipe since it eliminates the need to combine multiple ingredients separately. Overall, using self-raising flour is a convenient and practical choice when making gulgula.
Ingredients Needed For Making Gulgula With Self-raising Flour
To make gulgula with self-raising flour, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. First and foremost, you’ll need 1 cup of self-raising flour, which will serve as the base for your dough. Additionally, you’ll need 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar to add sweetness to the dough.
To give your gulgula a unique and delicious flavor, you’ll also need 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder. This spice is commonly used in Indian cooking and adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dough. Finally, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut to add texture and depth of flavor to the mixture.
To bring everything together, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence and 170 ml of cold milk. These ingredients will help form the dough and give it a smooth, cohesive texture. And of course, you’ll need vegetable oil for deep frying and a bowl of water for dampening your hands before shaping the dough.
Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to get started! With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious and authentic gulgula with self-raising flour that will impress your friends and family.
Step-by-step Instructions For Making Gulgula With Self-raising Flour
Making gulgula with self-raising flour is a simple process that requires only a few steps. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make delicious gulgulas:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of self-raising flour, 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut, 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Mix well.
2. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence and pour in 170 ml of cold milk. Mix until it forms a batter. The batter should be thick enough to form ball shapes when frying.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pot for deep frying on medium heat.
4. Once the oil is hot enough, wet your hand in a bowl of water and scoop a portion of the mixture in your hand.
5. Drop the dough into the hot oil using a pushing motion with your thumb – taking your thumb into your palm and pushing out towards your fingers to release the dough.
6. Fry the gulgulas until they are golden brown on all sides.
7. Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon or spider utensil to remove the gulgulas from the oil.
8. Place them onto paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
9. Serve while hot and enjoy!
By following these simple steps, you can make delicious gulgulas with self-raising flour that are perfect for any occasion or celebration!
Tips For Perfecting Your Gulgula-making Skills
If you want to perfect your gulgula-making skills, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Consistency is key: Make sure the batter is thick enough to form ball shapes when frying. If the batter is too runny, it will be difficult to form the balls and they may fall apart in the oil.
2. Don’t overcrowd the frying pan: Fry the gulgulas in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
3. Use the right oil temperature: The oil should be hot enough to fry the gulgulas but not too hot that they burn. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter in the oil. If it comes up but doesn’t change color right away, the oil is ready.
4. Practice makes perfect: It may take a few tries to get the pushing motion with your thumb just right, but with practice, you’ll be able to form perfect ball shapes every time.
5. Serve while hot: Gulgulas are best enjoyed while hot and crispy, so serve them immediately after frying for maximum enjoyment.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and perfectly shaped gulgulas every time. Experiment with different variations and enjoy this tasty treat with your family and friends!
Serving Suggestions And Variations To Try With Your Gulgula
Gulgulas are a delicious Indian treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions and variations to try with your gulgula:
1. Serve with Chai: Gulgulas are a perfect pairing with a hot cup of chai. The sweet and savory flavors of the gulgulas complement the aromatic spices in the chai, making for a delightful snack.
2. Add Nutella: For a decadent twist, try adding a dollop of Nutella on top of your gulgulas. The creamy chocolate hazelnut spread adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to the already delicious treat.
3. Top with Fruit: Gulgulas can also be served with fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or strawberries. The fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the warm and crispy gulgulas.
4. Make it Savory: If you prefer savory snacks, try adding some chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves to the batter before frying. This variation is known as “pyaaz ke gulgule” and is popular in many parts of India.
5. Use Different Flours: While this recipe calls for self-raising flour, you can also experiment with other flours, such as whole wheat or chickpea flour. Each type of flour will give the gulgulas a unique flavor and texture.
With these serving suggestions and variations, you can customize your gulgulas to suit your taste preferences and enjoy them in different ways.
