Easy Whole Wheat Shakarpara Recipe (Shakarpali)

Name: Easy Whole Wheat Shakarpara Recipe (Shakarpali)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cup Whole Wheat flour ((atta)); 1/4 cup sooji ((semolina)); 1/2 cup Organic sugar; 1 pinch salt; 1/4 cup ghee; 1/3-1/2 cup water, as needed

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Indulge in the festive delight of homemade Whole Wheat Shakarpara this Diwali. A perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this recipe is a must-try for the season of lights.

Diwali had always been a magical time in our home. The entire house would come alive with colorful decorations and the sweet scent of incense. But what made the festival truly special was my mom's shakarpara.

During Diwali, our home would be adorned with diyas, rangoli, and strings of twinkling lights. The evening would be filled with laughter, prayers, and the joy of being with family. And, of course, a generous serving of mom's shakarpara.

The first bite was pure bliss. The shakarpara had the right amount of sweetness and spice, and they crumbled in your mouth with each bite. They were a harmonious blend of tradition and warmth, just like the festival of Diwali itself.

As I grew older, I learned to make shakarpara from mom. She taught me the secret behind that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Now, I continue the tradition, making mom's shakarpara every Diwali. Our home is filled with the same sweet scent, and the tradition lives on, reminding me of the magic of Diwali and the love my mom poured into every batch of shakarpara.

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What Is Shakarpara
Ingredients For Shakarpara
How to make Shakarpara
Storage
Tips
FAQ's
Indian Snacks Recipes
Easy Whole Wheat Shakarpara Recipe (Shakarpali)
Diwali Sweets Recipes

What Is Shakarpara

Shakarpara, also spelled as shankarpali or shakkarpara, is a popular Indian snack that consists of small, diamond or square-shaped pieces of deep-fried dough. Learn more about Shakarpali at Wikipedia.org

The shakarpara dough is typically made from ingredients like whole wheat flour, semolina (sooji), ghee, and spices, and it can be sweetened with sugar or jaggery to add a sweet flavor.

These small, diamond-shaped or square pieces are crispy and often enjoyed during festivals like Diwali, Holi, and on special occasions, or as a tea-time snack.

Ingredients For Shakarpara

The ingredients used in a whole wheat shakarpara recipe are:

Whole Wheat Flour: This forms the base of the dough and provides a nutty, whole-grain flavor. It's a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour.
Sooji (Semolina): Often added for texture and crispness, sooji adds a slightly grainy quality to the dough.
Powdered Sugar or Jaggery: You can use powdered sugar or jaggery for sweetness.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee adds richness and a distinct flavor to the dough, making it more flavorful.
Cardamom Powder: This spice enhances the flavor with a subtle, aromatic touch.
Water: Used to bind the dough together, it's added in moderation to achieve the right consistency.
Salt: A small amount of salt is often added to enhance the overall flavor, even in sweet shakarpara.
Oil: Used for deep frying, it is essential for achieving the crispy texture of shakarpara.

These ingredients come together to create a versatile and delicious snack.

How to make Shakarpara

You can make shakar para dough using whole wheat flour, sooji (semolina), powdered sugar, ghee, cardamom powder, and water. Here's a recipe for making shakar para with these ingredients:

Prepare the Dough:

1- In a blender jar, add fine sooji, sugar, and green cardamom seeds(optional) and grind it to a fine flour.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sooji flour, and ghee.

3- Mix these dry ingredients until the mixture resembles sand-like texture. When you hold the mixture in your fist, it should hold its shape and not crumble.

Knead the Dough:

4- Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead the mixture into a stiff and smooth dough.

Rest the Dough:

5- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the sooji to absorb moisture and the dough to become more pliable.

Roll and Cut:

6- After resting, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about ⅛ inch in thickness.

7- Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into small diamond or square-shaped pieces.

Fry the Shakar Para:

8- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

9- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cut shakar para pieces in batches.

10- Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally for even cooking.

11- Remove the fried shakar para using a slotted spoon and place them in a strainer basket to drain excess oil and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Cool and Store:

12- Allow the fried shakar para to cool completely.

13- Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They can be stored for several weeks.

These shakar para have a delightful blend of whole wheat, semolina, and cardamom flavors, along with a touch of sweetness from the powdered sugar. They make for a wonderful snack during festivals or special occasions and pair well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage

Store the whole wheat shakar para in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They can be kept for several weeks when stored properly.

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your whole wheat shakar para turn out great:

Consistent Dough: Ensure the dough is neither too dry nor too sticky. Adjust the water slowly to achieve a firm but pliable consistency.
Even Frying: Maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying to ensure the shakar para cook evenly and turn golden brown.
Use Strainer: Place the cooked shakarpara in a strainer basket to remove any excess oil and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Sugar Powder: Make sure the powdered sugar is fine and well-mixed with the other dry ingredients to evenly distribute sweetness.
Flavor Enhancement: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of rose water for extra flavor.
Cooling Properly: Allow the shakar para to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy in the container.
Airtight Storage: Use an airtight container to store the shakar para to keep them fresh and maintain their crunchiness for an extended period.
Practice Patience: Be patient while frying the shakar para. Fry them on medium heat to ensure they cook through and attain a nice, crispy texture.

Following these tips will help you make delicious whole wheat shakar para that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ's

What is Shakarpara made of?

Shakarpara is a popular Indian snack made from a dough consisting of whole wheat flour, semolina (sooji), ghee (clarified butter), and flavored with ingredients like cardamom powder, which is then deep-fried until crispy. It can also be sweetened with sugar or jaggery for added sweetness, depending on the recipe variation.

Is Shakarpara good for health?

Shakarpara, like many deep-fried snacks, is not typically considered a healthy food as it is high in calories, fats, and sugars. While it can be enjoyed in moderation, it's not a nutritious choice for regular consumption due to its high calorie content and low nutritional value.

What is shakarpara in english?

In English, "shakarpara" is often referred to as "sweet diamond-shaped biscuits" or "fried sugar-coated pastries." It is a popular Indian snack made from fried dough that's sweetened and flavored with spices.

Indian Snacks Recipes