Holi Special: Date & Dry Fruit Gujiya Recipe - No Mawa, Semolina, or Sugar!

This Holi, ditch the traditional sugary gujiyas and embrace a healthier, equally delicious alternative! Our Date & Dry Fruit Gujiyas are a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Made with naturally sweet dates and a vibrant mix of dry fruits, these gujiyas are surprisingly easy to make and boast a unique, sophisticated flavour profile. Forget the heavy mawa and refined sugar – this recipe uses wholesome ingredients to create a treat that’s both satisfying and good for you. They’re also wonderfully adaptable; feel free to experiment with your favourite nuts and dried fruits to personalize your batch.

This recipe skips the usual semolina and refined sugar, offering a lighter, healthier take on a beloved festival sweet. We've carefully crafted a simple, step-by-step process to guide you through each stage, ensuring even novice bakers can create these beautiful and flavourful gujiyas with ease. Ready to embark on this delicious Holi baking adventure? Let's get started!

Tools Needed

  • pan
  • gujiya mould
  • rolling pin
  • sieve
  • bowl
  • mixer

Ingredients

  • flour: 1 cup
  • desi ghee: 2 tablespoons
  • water: as needed
  • almonds: 3 tablespoons, chopped
  • cashews: 3 tablespoons, chopped
  • pistachios: 3 tablespoons, chopped
  • dry coconut: 2 tablespoons, grated
  • poppy seeds: 1 tablespoon
  • dates: 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • jaggery: 2 tablespoons, grated
  • raisins: 1 tablespoon
  • cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Make the Dough and Filling

  • Mix flour and ghee, then add water gradually to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • Heat ghee in a pan. Add chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Fry lightly. Add grated coconut and poppy seeds at the end. Turn off the heat and let it cool.
  • Combine the cooled dry fruits with chopped dates, grated jaggery, raisins, cardamom powder. Mix well.
Prepare the dough: Mix flour and ghee, then add water gradually to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. (31.119)Roast the dry fruits: Heat ghee in a pan. Add chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Fry lightly. Add grated coconut and poppy seeds at the end. Turn off the heat and let it cool. (61.16)Prepare the filling: Combine the cooled dry fruits with chopped dates, grated jaggery, raisins, cardamom powder. Mix well. (109.28)
Make the Dough and Filling

Step 2. Prepare the Date and Dry Fruit Filling

  • Combine the cooled dry fruits with chopped dates, grated jaggery, raisins, cardamom powder. Mix well.
Prepare the filling: Combine the cooled dry fruits with chopped dates, grated jaggery, raisins, cardamom powder. Mix well. (109.28)
Prepare the Date and Dry Fruit Filling

Step 3. Assemble and Shape the Gujiyas

  • Roll out small portions of the dough into thin circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Use a gujiya mould to shape the Gujiyas, sealing the edges with a flour-water paste.
Shape the Gujiyas: Roll out small portions of the dough into thin circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Use a gujiya mould to shape the Gujiyas, sealing the edges with a flour-water paste. (145.239)
Assemble and Shape the Gujiyas

Step 4. Fry the Gujiyas to Golden Perfection

  • Heat ghee in a pan. Fry the Gujiyas over medium-low heat until golden brown, flipping occasionally.
Fry the Gujiyas: Heat ghee in a pan. Fry the Gujiyas over medium-low heat until golden brown, flipping occasionally. (238.4)
Fry the Gujiyas to Golden Perfection

Read more: How to Make Delicious Indian Rice Cakes: A Simple Recipe

Tips

  • Use medium-low heat while frying to ensure the Gujiyas cook through and become crispy.
  • Keep the Gujiyas on a wet cloth to prevent them from drying out.
  • For a sweeter Gujiya, make a sugar syrup and dip the fried Gujiya in it.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of dried fruits besides the ones listed?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorites like cranberries, apricots, or chopped figs. Just keep in mind that different fruits have varying levels of moisture, so you might need to adjust the amount of dates slightly.

2. How long can I store these gujiyas?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.


We hope you enjoyed this healthier twist on a Holi classic! These Date & Dry Fruit Gujiyas are a delightful and guilt-free way to celebrate the festival of colors. Happy Holi, and happy baking!