Gujiya is an authentic Indian pasty dish that is said to have originated from Uttar Pradesh. It is a crescent-shaped dish that has a sweet mixture filling which contains khoya, nuts, and dried fruits. During Holi or the festival of colours or spring, this dish is widely enjoyed among other snacks and drinks, especially in the northern parts of India. The crispy outer layer and sweet filling of the inside create an amazing contrast, which makes it a unique and widely loved dish.
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What makes Gujiya truly special is its versatility. While the traditional recipe remains timeless, variations of Gujiya have emerged over time, catering to diverse palates and preferences. These variations not only add a modern twist to the classic treat but also reflect the culinary creativity of individuals and regions.
Here are seven variations of Gujiyas that you can enjoy and also incorporate into your parties this Holi season.
Apple Gujiya
Apple gujiya is an interesting variety or twist that is brought on the traditional gujiya. Inside the traditional crispy outer layer is the sweet and tangy filling made with apple. The filling is what creates magic in this dish; it features cashews, almonds, khoya, raisins and caramelised apples. To make it moist and sugary, you can also top it off with honey or powdered sugar.
Gulkand Gujiya
Gulkand Gujiya, a delectable variation of the traditional Holi sweet, is a true indulgence for the festive season. Made with a delicate pastry shell, stuffed generously with a sweet and aromatic filling of gulkand (rose petal jam), khoya (reduced milk solids), and chopped nuts, it offers a burst of flavour with every bite. The combination of floral notes from the gulkand, richness from khoya, and crunch from nuts creates a harmonious symphony of taste.
Namkeen Gujiya
Namkeen gujiya is a dish that can also be seen as a mix of traditional samosa and traditional gujiya. In a namkeen gujiya, as the name suggests, the filling is savoury, unlike any traditional gujiya. The savoury filling that goes into this dish is spiced potatoes, peas, cumin, coriander, and ajwain, which is very similar to a samosa filling. One can experiment with the filling all the time and add ingredients according to their preference. This liberal way of enjoying gujiya is really loved by many, especially during festivals.
Bhang Gujiya
Infused with the essence of celebration, it's crafted by blending cannabis leaves into the dough, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. The filling remains quintessentially sweet, comprising khoya, dried fruits, and nuts, but with a subtle hint of cannabis. This delicacy boasts a harmonious blend of flavours, marrying the richness of traditional Gujiya with the earthy undertones of bhang, ensuring a festive indulgence like no other.
Coconut Gujiya
Coconut gujiya is made with a filling that is a blend of freshly grated coconut, khoya and aromatics like cardamom and cinnamon. The outer crispy texture and inner tropical, sweet filling create a contrast that balances the overpowering of any single flavour or texture. Adding this variant to your Holi platter will give your guests an amazing mouth feel and experience.
Halwa Gujiya
Halwa Gujiya, a delectable variation of the traditional Gujiya, offers a delightful twist perfect for the festive spirit of Holi. Crafted with finesse, it combines the richness of halwa filling enveloped in a crisp, golden crust. Made by blending semolina or suji with sugar, ghee, and a medley of nuts, its flavoursome essence tantalises the taste buds. Often infused with aromatic spices like cardamom and garnished with saffron strands, each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavours.
Matar Gujiya
This delectable treat is crafted from a crispy outer layer made of flour and semolina, encasing a flavorful filling of green peas, spices, and herbs. Bursting with earthy flavours and aromatic spices, Matar Gujiya tantalises taste buds with its unique blend of textures and tastes. Served hot or cold, it's a must-try for those seeking a savoury indulgence during Holi.