Chhath Puja, a vibrant festival celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, is incomplete without the traditional sweet treat known as Thekua. This crunchy, sweet biscuit-like delicacy is made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, making it a perfect offering for the occasion. Follow this simple recipe to create delicious Thekua and delight your family and friends this festive season!
Ingredients Needed
- Wheat Flour: 2 cups
- Jaggery: 1 cup (grated)
- Coconut: 1/2 cup (grated)
- Ghee: 1/4 cup
- Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Water: As needed
- Oil for frying: As needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, add wheat flour, grated jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom powder, and ghee.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough. Ensure the dough is not too soft to maintain the shape of Thekua.
2. Shape the Thekua
- From the kneaded dough, take small portions and roll them into balls.
- Flatten each ball gently with your hands to form a disc shape. Ensure they are not too thin to avoid breaking.
3. Fry the Thekua
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the prepared Thekua to the oil.
- Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Once fried, place the Thekua on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.
- Allow them to cool before serving them as offerings or snacks during Chhath Puja.
Tips for Perfect Thekua
- Ensure the right quantity of jaggery is used, as it is the main source of sweetness.
- Store Thekua in an airtight container to keep them crispy for an extended period.
- You can enhance the flavor by adding dry fruits like cashews or almonds, according to your preference.
Special Considerations
During Chhath Puja, it’s essential to ensure that all ingredients used are pure and fresh. The celebration emphasizes cleanliness and sanctity, making it crucial to prepare offerings with care.
This easy-to-follow Thekua recipe not only adds sweetness to your Chhath Puja celebrations but also creates lasting memories with your loved ones. Make this festive treat and share the joy of the season!