Shankarpale - Traditional Indian Sweet Diamonds Cookies
Shankarpale, also known as Sweet Diamonds, are delightful Indian cookies that are both crispy and slightly sweet. These treats are a popular snack during festive occasions, providing a perfect balance of taste and texture. Traditionally made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe comes from a close friend from India, who shared it with me years ago for a class I was teaching. The kids loved them, and I am excited to pass this authentic recipe along. With a golden-brown finish and a unique diamond shape, Shankarpale are perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging as a fun snack on their own.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
5 cups (sifted)
oil
1 cup (for the dough)
water
1 cup (room temperature)
sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
oil
as needed (for deep frying)
Instructions
1
In a thick-bottomed pan, heat 1 cup of oil over medium heat.
2
Add 1 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar to the pan.
3
Stir the mixture continuously until it begins to boil.
4
Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool until it is lukewarm.
5
Gradually fold in the 5 cups of flour, mixing well with each addition.
6
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7
In a deep frying pan, heat oil for frying until hot.
8
Divide the kneaded dough into lemon-sized balls.
9
On a floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll each ball out very thin – so thin that the surface underneath is barely visible.
10
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into strips at a 45-degree angle.
11
Turn the rolled surface 90 degrees and cut diagonally to form diamond shapes; ensure your cuts create diamonds rather than squares for an authentic appearance.
12
Deep fry the diamond shapes in the hot oil until they turn golden brown and crisp.
13
Remove the fried Shankarpale with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
14
Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
6.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Shankarpale?
Shankarpale, also known as Sweet Diamonds, are traditional Indian cookies that are characterized by their crispy texture and mild sweetness.
What is the typical texture of these cookies?
These Indian cookies are designed to be delightful, crispy, and crunchy, providing a perfect balance of taste and texture.
On what occasions are Shankarpale usually served?
They are a popular snack during festive occasions in India and are also enjoyed as a fun everyday snack.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 simple pantry ingredients: flour, oil for the dough, water, sugar, and oil for deep frying.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of sifted flour.
What type of sugar should I use?
Granulated sugar is used for this recipe, specifically 3/4 of a cup.
Do I need to boil the sugar and water?
Yes, you should heat the oil, water, and sugar in a thick-bottomed pan and stir continuously until the mixture begins to boil.
What is the secret to a smooth dough?
Knead the dough after adding the flour until it becomes smooth and elastic.
At what temperature should the liquid be when adding flour?
The mixture of oil, water, and sugar should be allowed to cool until it is lukewarm before gradually folding in the flour.
How do I portion the dough for rolling?
Divide the kneaded dough into small, lemon-sized balls before rolling.
How thin should the dough be rolled out?
Roll each ball out very thin, to the point where the surface underneath is barely visible.
How do I achieve the authentic diamond shape?
Cut the dough into strips at a 45-degree angle, then turn the surface 90 degrees and cut diagonally again to form diamonds.
What tool can I use to cut the dough?
A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works best for cutting the rolled dough into diamond shapes.
Is the oil temperature important for frying?
Yes, ensure the oil in your deep frying pan is hot before adding the diamond shapes.
How long should I fry the Shankarpale?
Deep fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crisp.
How do I remove the cookies from the hot oil?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pieces to allow excess oil to drain.
How should I drain the excess oil after frying?
Place the fried cookies on paper towels to drain any remaining oil.
How should Shankarpale be stored?
Once they have completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of these cookies?
There are about 7.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5g of carbohydrates.
Do these cookies contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides about 1.25g of protein.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is approximately 6.25g of sugar per serving.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the description notes that kids love these treats, making them a great snack for children.
Are these cookies baked or fried?
These traditional cookies are deep-fried rather than baked.
What type of pan is recommended for the initial mixture?
A thick-bottomed pan is recommended for heating the oil, water, and sugar.
Can I use a pizza cutter for this recipe?
Yes, a pizza cutter is one of the recommended tools for cutting the dough into strips.
Are there any specific dietary tags for this recipe?
Tags include indian cookies, dessert, festive snacks, and deep-fried snacks.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
According to the nutritional information provided, the fiber content is null.
Does the recipe contain cholesterol?
No, the cholesterol content for this recipe is listed as null.