Chiroti - Crispy Indian Pastry

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 tablespoon rose water 1 tablespoon rose water
• Slivered almonds and pistachios, for garnish Slivered almonds and pistachios, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the ghee and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 1 tablespoon of warm water for 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Add the saffron water, cardamom powder, and remaining water to the flour mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin, circular sheet.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat. Carefully slide the rolled dough into the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining dough.
6. 6.
   In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the rose water.
7. 7.
   Dip the fried chiroti pastries into the sugar syrup, ensuring they are coated evenly. Allow them to soak for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios. Serve the chiroti warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ghee — Ghee adds a rich flavor to the chiroti pastry. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute ghee with vegetable oil.

Tips & Tricks

• Ensure the dough is kneaded well to achieve a smooth and pliable texture.
• Roll the dough into thin sheets for a crispy chiroti.
• Adjust the sugar syrup's thickness according to your preference for sweetness.
• Serve the chiroti immediately after soaking in the sugar syrup for the best texture.
• Store any leftover chiroti in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the chiroti as a dessert or sweet snack. It pairs well with a cup of hot masala chai or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden chiroti pastries on a serving platter and sprinkle them with slivered almonds and pistachios for an elegant touch. Serve them in a decorative bowl or plate to enhance their visual appeal.