Thekua - Indian Fried Cookies

Thekua - Indian Fried Cookies :

Thekua is a type of sweet cookie or biscuit made from wheat flour, jaggery (unrefined sugar), and ghee (clarified butter). It is often flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, and other spices, giving it a distinct taste and aroma. The dough is shaped into small discs or shapes and then deep-fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown.

People in Bihar and Jharkhand enjoy Thekua as a delicious treat during festivals like Chhath Puja, Teez which is widely celebrated in the region. The dish is loved for its rich flavor, and it can be stored for several days, making it an ideal treat during festivals and celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups wheat flour
• 1 cup grated jaggery (you can adjust the sweetness as per your preference)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• A pinch of salt
• Water (as needed for kneading the dough)
• Oil or ghee (for deep frying)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the wheat flour, grated jaggery, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, a pinch of salt, and ghee.

2. Mix all the ingredients together to form a crumbly mixture.

3. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead the mixture to make a firm and smooth dough. Make sure not to add too much water at once, as the dough should not be too soft.

4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

5. Heat oil or ghee in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

6. Meanwhile, take a small portion of the dough and shape it into small discs or any desired pattern. You can use cookie cutters or the back of a fork to create patterns.

7. Once the oil or ghee is hot, carefully slide the shaped Thekuas into the oil.

8. Fry the Thekuas until they turn golden brown and become crispy. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

9. Once done, remove the fried Thekuas from the oil and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

10. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.