Suji Pedakiya, also known as Gujiya in some regions, is a popular Indian sweet pastry that holds deep cultural and festive significance, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Made with suji (semolina) or maida (refined flour) and filled with sweetened khoya (thickened milk) or suji, coconut, and dried fruits, it is fried to a crispy golden texture.
Traditional Value
- Festive Importance: Suji Pedakiya is a must-have sweet during festivals like Holi, Teej, and Chhath Puja in Bihar and surrounding regions. It is made in large quantities and shared with family, friends, and neighbors, symbolizing joy and togetherness.
- Cultural Symbol: The sweet is especially tied to the celebrations of Teej and Holi, symbolizing good fortune, fertility, and familial bonds. It also plays a significant role during religious occasions, often being offered as prasad (sacred food offering) during worship.
- Family Tradition: The preparation of Suji Pedakiya is often a family activity, where generations come together, with women of the household preparing and filling these sweet dumplings. This practice is passed down, keeping the tradition alive.
Nutritional Value of Suji Pedakiya
While Suji Pedakiya is a delicious treat, it also has some nutritional aspects that should be considered:
- Calories: It is typically high in calories due to the use of suji (semolina), ghee, sugar, and deep-frying. It provides quick energy, making it a good festive indulgence.
- Carbohydrates: Suji, the primary ingredient, is a source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. The added sugar enhances this energy content.
- Proteins: Khoya (if used) or milk-based fillings provide a moderate amount of protein. Semolina also contains some proteins, though in smaller quantities.
- Fats: Ghee or oil used for frying contributes to the fat content, adding to the richness of the sweet. The fat content can be high due to deep-frying, which makes it a rich and indulgent dessert.
- Vitamins & Minerals: The dry fruits used in the filling, such as almonds, raisins, and cashews, contribute to the vitamin and mineral content, especially Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Suji contains some essential B-vitamins as well.
Health Considerations
- Moderation: Suji Pedakiya, while delicious, is often calorie-dense, so moderation is key, especially for those looking to manage weight or control sugar intake.
- Customizations: For a healthier version, the use of whole wheat flour or baking instead of frying can reduce fat content, making it more suitable for health-conscious individuals. Reducing sugar or replacing it with natural sweeteners can also make it a more balanced treat.
Find out recipe details below:
Main Ingredients:-
For Dough:-
All Purpose Flour - 1 cup
Homemade Ghee - 4 tbsp
Lukewarm Water - as needed
For Filling:-
Semolina - 1/2 cup
Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp
Almonds (chopped) - 1 tbsp
Raisins - 2 tbsp
Cashews (chopped) - 2 tbsp
Dry Dates (finely chopped) - 2 tbsp
Chopped Coconut - 2 tbsp
Sugar - 1/4 cup
Homemade Ghee - 1 tbsp (for roasting semolina)
Homemade Ghee - 1/4 cup (for mixing in filling)
For Frying:-
Homemade Ghee - for deep frying
Serves - 4-5
Methods:-
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour with 4 tbsp homemade ghee.
Gradually add lukewarm water and knead it into a soft dough.
Cover the dough with a lid and let it rest for 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
In a pan, heat 1 tbsp homemade ghee and roast semolina on low flame until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
Remove from heat and let it cool.
Add the dry fruits, dry dates, and sugar to the cooled semolina.
Mix in cardamom powder and 1/4 cup homemade ghee to create a moist filling.
Set aside.
Shape the Perakiyas/Gujiya:
Divide the dough into small equal portions and roll them into balls.
Roll each ball into a thin circle (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle and seal the edges by pressing them firmly or using a fork to create a decorative pattern.
Frying:
Heat homemade ghee in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
Once the ghee is hot, gently slide in the filled gujiyas and fry them until golden brown on all sides.
Serve:
Once cooled, your crispy and delicious Perakiyas/Gujiyas are ready to be served.
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