Authentic Indian Thekua Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ghee (clarified butter) 1/2 cup (120ml) ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• Ghee or oil, for deep frying Ghee or oil, for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 17g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, grated jaggery, ghee, cardamom powder, fennel seeds, and nutmeg powder.
2. 2.
   Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a firm dough.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into discs or intricate patterns.
5. 5.
   Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan for frying.
6. 6.
   Carefully drop the shaped dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the fried Thekua from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
8. 8.
   Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Jaggery — Ensure that the jaggery is finely grated to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
• Ghee — Use clarified butter (ghee) for an authentic flavor, but it can be substituted with vegetable oil for a vegan or dairy-free version.
• Fennel seeds — Lightly crush the fennel seeds to release their aroma and enhance the flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the Thekua.
• If the dough feels dry, add a little more water, but be cautious not to make it too sticky.
• For a variation, you can add chopped nuts or desiccated coconut to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Store the cooled Thekua in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Serve Thekua as a delightful snack with a cup of masala chai or as a sweet treat after a meal. They can also be presented on a platter during festive occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Thekua biscuits on a decorative plate or in a traditional Indian box lined with banana leaves for an authentic touch. Sprinkle some powdered sugar or crushed pistachios on top for an elegant presentation.