Thekua

Thekua is a Bihari (a state in Northern India) traditional snack or sweets. Usually serve as prasadham or an offering to God. Do not put off with the dark colur as the colur contributed by the usage of jaggery.   Instead of sugar syrup soaked Indian dessert, Thekua is indeed a choice of healthy dessert with the mixture of atta,jaggery,semolina and spices. It's unusual to add fennel seeds to desserts but trust me it enhance the flavor of Thekua and you don't want to miss it. For healthier option you may bake them instead of deep frying. Bake at 180'C for 10-12 minutes ot till it turns dark brown. I made them for prasadham and it was worth trying.

Ingredients

2 cups atta flour
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup jaggery
1/4 cup semolina
1/4 freshly grated coconut
4 tbsp ghee
1/2 tbsp cardamom powder
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp salt
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Methods

Heat water and add jaggery. Stir till jaggery completely dissolved. No any string consistency required. Strain the jaggery to discard any unwanted waste. Keep aside to cool.

In a large bowl, add atta,salt,semolina,cardamom powder,grated coconut and fennel seeds.Mix to combine.

Add ghee and mix. Add the jaggery syrup and mix well to form a soft dough. Rest the dough for 10 minutes.

Pinch a lemon sized ball and shape into a cylinder. Using a skewer, mark leaves pattern. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Heat oil for deep frying and fry one over a medium heat till it turns dark brown.

Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen towel to drain excess oil.

Serve with a cup of tea.