Somasi (Gujiya)

Somasi is a popular sweet made for Diwali in India. They are deep fried crescent shaped dishes filled with sweet filling. This sweet is known by different names through out the country. Somasi (Tamil Nadu), Karanji (Maharashtra), Ghughra (Gujarat), Gujiya (North India), Karjikai (Karnataka), Kajjikayalu (Andhra). The sweet fillings vary depending on where you are in India. It could be a filling of khoya, sugar and dry fruits (in the north) or dahlia, sugar, cream of wheat, and coconut (in the south). Somasi is similar to empanadas. My friend gave me some of the filling after Diwali, and I made Somasi for the first time. I fried one batch in oil and used air fryer for the rest. The air fryer somasi were very crispy and stayed crispy even after a couple days. 

Ingredients

For the outer covering

1 Cup all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon corn flour

1 Tablespoon melted ghee

1 pinch salt

For the Filling

1/2 Cup desiccated coconut, toasted in pan

1/2 Cup crumbled mawa (khoya) 

2 Tablespoons golden raisins

2 Tablespoons slivered almonds

2 Tablespoons chopped cashew nuts

2 Tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Method

1. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center, add ghee. Combine gently using fingers. Adding water as needed, knead to a firm smooth dough. Cover the dough and set aside for 20 minutes.

                                       

2. Combine the ingredients for filling in a medium bowl. Keep aside.

3. Divide dough into 12 portions. Keep them in the bowl, covered with a damp towel.

                                                               

4. Roll out a portion of the dough into a 3 inch disc. Place the disc on a Somasi mould. Place a Tablespoon of the filling on one side. Wet the edges with water. Close the Somasi mould to seal. Open the mold to remove the somasi. Place on a tray and cover with damp towel. Repeat the process with remaining dough.

   

                                   

5. Heat ghee in a deep pan and fry 3 somasi at a time, on medium heat till  they are crispy and golden brown. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel.

                                                               

Air Fryer version

Spray the prepared somasi with oil. Place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, turning over in between.

                                                                   

Notes

Making somasi without the mold.

Roll the dough to a 3 inch disc. Place the filling in the center of the disc. Fold it over to make a semi circle. Seal the edges with a little water. Crimp the edges with a fork or twist the sides to form pleats. Fry them in ghee or cook in air fryer.