With Diwali just around the corner, it’s no surprise that my kitchen has started to burst into activity. I guess the old saying does hold true in my case, that nothing pleases a cook more than to see the happy faces of those enjoying the food – and these bite-sized crispy cookies or Shakkar Pare, will definitely bring a smile to your face.
Growing up, Diwali in my home has always mostly been centered around food. In fact, any occasion I can think of involves us hovering over the stove while Mom dished out treat after treat. And ever since I’ve had a kitchen of my own to care for, I try my best to make sure this tradition continues. Hubby Dear has already declared an open house to his tummy. A long list and various requests have been made by the Little Dude and duly considered – starting with a couple of jars of his favourite Shakkar Pare. And I’ve done my part as well, by promising each of them their favourites on the table.
As I while away my time in the kitchen churning up one request after another, I can’t help but take some time out to snuggle in a treat for myself. After all, festivals are for indulging, and who am I to defy tradition! So before I head back to crank up the heat on my stove, how about joining me for a cup of coffee and some crispy melt-in-your-mouth Shakar Para?
These lovely treats can be stored in an air-tight container for about 2-3 weeks. That is if you resist them that long!
Here’s wishing all my readers a Very Happy and Prosperous Diwali! For more special Diwali recipes, please click here.
Shakkar Pare (Sweet Fried Cookies)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp semolina
- 1/3 cup light cooking oil
- pinch of salt
- water as needed
- oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, semolina, salt and a 1/3 cup of oil with enough water to make a smooth firm dough.
- Divide the dough into fist-sized balls and set aside. Heat enough oil in a deep wok or pan for deep frying.
- For each ball of dough, roll it out into a circle of about 0.5 cm thickness. Cut the rolled out dough into strips vertically, and then again horizontally, making bite-sized square pieces.
- Fry the pieces in hot oil till they turn golden brown. Remove on a paper towel to drain excess oil, allow to cool, and enjoy with hot coffee/tea.
Notes
This post was originally published in October 2006 and has been recently updated.
If you enjoyed this recipe, then you will surely love my, Namak Pare, Sooji Halwa and Dairy-free Gajar Halwa recipe as well.
Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat
Hi Meena, I am writing to say thank you! Been making this since 2009. Your recipe is the Deepavali staple in my household. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Meenakshi,
I tried this recipe and it turned out very well. .. except for the sugar (I accidentally put less sugar). Please advise if I have to redo it or if I can sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve.
thanks!
My mom used to make these too a lot as snacks, my version is a lil different, but i now am missing my mom a loot. Thanks for sharing the recipe..
Hi Meenakshi,
I am from North India and my Mom used to make shakarpare on all festivals. I know this is a very old post in your blog, but i bumped into it while searching for diwali sweet ideas (its my first Diwali after getting married away from home) . Thanks for reminding, I’m definitely making this. 🙂
Hi Meenakshi,
I am from HYD and I had to drop you a line after I saw your site…
You have all my favorites on your site, the recipes I couldn’t find anywhere else and I am a happy camper….Great Indo-Chinese recipes…..
You have such a great site with lovely posts and I know I will be visiting your site quite often..
I love that pic. Hope you had a great Diwali!
Hey Meena –
The shankarpare look delicous. I came directly from Vaishali’s and she cooked up these too :).
Happy Diwali!
Hi Meena, I have really liked the collection of recipes here and I have tried many recipes thanks for sharing such wonderful recipes, I hope you had a nice time during Diwali…
Hi Meena,
Happy Deepavali! Your mouth-watering Shakkarpara brings many good memories back! When I was studying in Pune we used to eat these delicacies for all the festivals and I used even buy some to take them home! Very popular sweet there. I don’t have much repertoire in making sweets but I think I will try this
Meena! Happy Diwali to you and yours! Hope you have a great festive season!
Dear Meena – Happy Diwali to you and your family. Cheers!
vkn
My Dhaba
Wish u a very happy diwali to your family members too…nice treats for diwali
Shakkarpare looks gorgeous, Meena. The perfect treat for a family gathering on this joyous festival weekend.
Subha Deepavali to you and your lovely family!
Meena, Have a happy Diwali with your family and friends. Eat a few of those on me too.
Meena! Wonderful entry, easy and tasty!! Thanks!! Happy Diwali!!:)
Meenakshi,
I found your blog after reading a post of yours on the AGAP listserv, and now I wait daily for your updates so I can drool all over myself fantasizing about cooking up delicious Indian meals.
With your gorgeous photography, you must really turn this into a cookbook! If I were a publisher, I’d be all over this!
Best of luck to you, and keep up the great cooking!
Katie
Hi Meenakshi,
Hmmm, Can imagine things must be a flurry of activity at your house. Your shakkarpare looks gorgeous.
Thank you and a very Happy Diwali!!!