Karanji Diwali Fried Sweet Pastry Maharashtra

Method

1. 1

   Make the pastry dough: Combine maida, ghee and salt. Rub ghee into flour with fingertips until crumbly. Add cold water gradually — about 1/2 cup — mixing until a firm, smooth dough forms. Minimal kneading keeps the pastry flaky. Cover and rest 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Make the filling: Combine fresh grated coconut with sugar (or jaggery), roasted semolina, cardamom, chopped almonds, cashews and saffron milk. Mix well. Taste — it should be sweet, coconut-fragrant and slightly granular. No cooking needed for this filling. Divide into 16 to 18 portions.

3. 3

   Divide dough: Divide the rested dough into 16 to 18 equal balls.

4. 4

   Roll each ball into a disc: Roll each ball on a lightly oiled surface into a round disc about 10 to 11 cm in diameter and 2 mm thin.

5. 5

   Place filling and seal: Place one portion of filling in the centre of a disc. Fold the disc in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the curved edge firmly to seal.

6. 6

   Create the pleated seal: Using a fork, press a decorative pattern along the sealed edge. Alternatively, use the traditional hand-pinching technique — fold and pinch the edge alternately to create a rope-like pattern.

7. 7

   Check all seals are tight.

8. 8

   Heat oil for slow frying: Heat oil in a kadai to low-medium temperature. The slow frying ensures the pastry becomes fully crispy throughout.

9. 9

   Fry 4 to 5 at a time: Fry on low-medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes turning every 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden all over.

10. 10

    Cool and store: Drain on paper towels. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

11. 11

    Note: Karanji is the Maharashtrian name for what North India calls gujiya and Goa calls nevri. The Maharashtrian version specifically uses fresh grated coconut in the filling — not khoya/mawa as in the North Indian version. This fresh coconut filling with sugar and cardamom is lighter and distinctly Maharashtrian. Made for Diwali in large quantities and shared with neighbours and family across the state.