Crispy Holi Gujiya with Cardamom-Infused Syrup
Crispy, golden fried dumplings filled with sweetened condensed milk, soaked in a fragrant cardamom syrup that balances sweet and spicy notes. A vibrant Holi favorite with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 50 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, ghee, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup ghee (for frying)
- 1 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup ghee into a smooth dough using 1/4 cup water. Knead for 5 minutes, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Roll dough into 1/4-inch thick sheets. Cut into 3-inch circles, and press centers with thumb to form pouches. Fill each with 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (not regular sugar), then seal edges.
- Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup ghee in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry dumplings in batches until golden (3-4 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Step 4: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tsp cardamom powder. Cook over medium heat until syrup thickens and turns amber. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 5: Submerge fried gujiya in syrup, ensuring they are fully coated. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Holi Gujiya with Cardamom-Infused Syrup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Holi Gujiya with Cardamom-Infused Syrup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Holi Gujiya with Cardamom-Infused Syrup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Holi Gujiya with Cardamom-Infused Syrup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Crispy Holi Gujiya with Cardamom-Infused Syrup?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many indian recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
