Dive into the heartwarming world of South Indian cuisine with our Sweet Somasi. This traditional dessert is a true embodiment of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Somasi is a delectable deep-fried pastry known for its crisp exterior and sweet, aromatic stuffing bound to leave your taste buds in awe.
Sweet Somasi is a beloved treat, often enjoyed during festivals, special occasions, and family gatherings. It’s a delicacy that beautifully combines the crispiness of the pastry shell with the sweetness of its inner filling. This sweet, fragrant filling is a harmonious blend of gram flour, grated coconut, powdered sugar, and a touch of elaichi (cardamom) for that quintessential South Indian flavour.
This delightful dessert is a perfect balance of textures and flavours. The outer shell provides a satisfying crunch, while the inner filling oozes sweet, aromatic richness. Whether you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine or someone eager to explore new flavours, Sweet Somasi deserves a place on your plate.
Sweet Somasi
About the Recipe
This traditional Indian sweet combines simple ingredients to create something special. The outer shell turns wonderfully crispy when fried, while the filling remains soft and fragrant. I always keep the dough slightly firm; it helps prevent the somasis from breaking during frying. The roasted gram flour gives these treats their distinctive nutty flavor and makes them different from regular sweet pastries.
Why you will love this recipe
Sweet Somasi offers that satisfying combination of crispy exterior and flavorful filling that makes snacking so enjoyable. The recipe uses basic pantry ingredients but creates something truly special. You can make these ahead for guests or store them for several days. The process is straightforward; if you can roll dough and fold it, you can make these treats. The cardamom and roasted gram flour create an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Cooking Tips
Keep the dough slightly firm to prevent breaking during frying. Roll the dough evenly; if it’s too thick, it will not cook properly, and if it’s too thin, it might tear. Fry at medium heat to guarantee the pastry cooks through while achieving that perfect golden color. I always test the oil temperature with a small piece of dough first.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Makes 15-20 pieces. Prep time: 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with tea or coffee. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can reheat them briefly in a low oven to restore crispiness.
Similar Recipes
- Karanji (Maharashtrian coconut-filled pastries)
- Gujiya (North Indian sweet dumplings)
- Mini samosas with sweet filling
Nutrient Benefits
Gram flour provides protein and fiber, while coconut offers healthy fats. Cardamom aids digestion and adds natural sweetness. The cashews provide essential minerals and healthy fats. Though this is a sweet treat, the nuts and gram flour make it more nutritious than plain sugar pastries.
Sweet Somasi
Ingredients
- 2 cups Maida (All-purpose flour)
- 2 tsp Ghee (Clarified butter)
- A pinch of Salt
For Stuffing:
- 1 cup Gram flour
- 1/4 cup Grated Coconut (Kopparai)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Elaichi (Cardamom)
- 2 tsp Kasa Kasa (Gasa Gase)
- 2 tsp Cashewnuts (roasted)
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the maida, ghee, and a pinch of salt. Add a little water to form a soft dough and set it aside.
- Roast the gram flour and kasa kasa (poppy seeds) separately until they release a pleasant aroma.
- Add the grated kopparai (coconut) to the roasted gram flour and kasa kasa.
- Grind this mixture in a mixer to obtain a fine powder.
- Add the powdered sugar and elaichi to the powdered mixture, along with the roasted cashewnuts.
- Take a small piece of the dough, flatten it into a round or oval shape on a banana leaf.
- Place a portion of the stuffing in the center and seal the edges to create a semi-circular or crescent shape.
- Heat oil in a pan for deep frying.
- Fry the somasis until they turn golden brown.
- Drain excess oil and allow them to cool before serving. Enjoy with a side of tomato sauce or as a standalone treat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.
Why does my filling sometimes become too dry?
Over-roasting the gram flour or adding too much sugar can make the filling dry. Roast just until fragrant and maintain the ingredient proportions as listed.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
While traditionally fried, you can brush them with oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes. The texture will be different but still enjoyable.
Note: image is for illustration purposes only and not that of the actual recipe.
