Matar Karanji /Gujiya Recipe (Maharashtrian Deep Fried Savoury Pastry)

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups All Purpose Flour (Maida)
• 3 tablespoon Sooji (Semolina/ Rava)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoons Ghee
• Water as required
• 2 cups Green peas (Matar) blanched and water drained off completely
• 1/2 cup Fresh coconut grated
• 2 Green Chillies chopped or as required
• 2 teaspoons Cumin seeds (Jeera) roasted
• 1/2 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 2 teaspoon Ajwain (Carom seeds)
• Coriander (Dhania) Leaves Handful, chopped
• Mint Leaves (Pudina) Handful, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (adjust)
• Salt as required
• Oil for deep frying

Steps

1. To begin making the Matar Karanji first make the dough for the covering.
2. Mix the flour, semolina, salt and ghee. Rub together the mixture for 1-2 minutes till the ghee is completely incorporated. You can use a food processor if you have one.
3. Gradually add water just enough to form a stiff but pliable dough (about 4-5 tablespoons water should be sufficient)
4. Keep the dough covered for about 30 minutes.
5. In a mixer grinder, add the coconut, green chillies, coriander, mint leaves and cumin seeds and grind to a smooth paste. Do not add water.
6. In a mixing bowl add the peas, ground coconut mixture, ajwain, salt and lemon juice. Mix until all ingredients are combined
7. Heat oil for deep frying in a wok.
8. Pinch off small, lime sized balls of the dough and roll out into a thin circle about 3-4 inch in diameter. Use some oil or ghee to grease the working surface (do not use flour)
9. Place about 2-3 teaspoons of the peas filling on one side of the circle leaving some space on the edge.
10. Fold over the other half of the circle to make a half moon shape.
11. Press and seal the edge taking care that air pockets do not form inside.
12. Use a Karanji cutter or a small fluted pastry cutter/wheel to remove excess dough and shape the Karanji.
13. Deep fry on medium heat till golden brown. (You can shape the karanjis at one time. Keep them covered and the fry them in batches)
14. Spicy Matar karanji tastes great on its own but you can serve them with Raw Mango & Coconut Chutney or any chutney of choice at your Diwali or Holi parties