The essence of any Indian festival lies in the rituals and customs with which it is celebrated as well as the special feasts that are prepared on this day. Teej is one such vibrant festival in Hindu culture which spans across three different days and the festival is celebrated to welcome monsoon season. Several desserts like malpua, ghevar and gujiya are prepared in the Hindu households to mark the festival. This year, Teej festivities begin with Hariyali Teej that falls on 31st July. 

Also Read: Why Ghevar Is Significant To Teej? 

Since Hariyali refers to greenery, the idea behind this Teej is to celebrate the sowing of crops by the farmers. Filled with songs, dance and prayers, the day is joyous one that witnesses indulgent sweet meats and other savoury bites too. Chef Palash Ghosh, Executive Chef of the Taj Hotels and Convention Centre, Agra, shares some delightful recipes that are should be on your festive menu this year. 

Malpua

For the unversed, malpua is a kind of pancake that is dipped in sugar syrup and cooked as a rich Indian sweet. Here’s a recipe for the same. 

Ingredients:            

•    250 gm refined flour 

•    5 gm green cardamom              

•    350 ml milk                    

•    50 ml ghee                        

•    200 gm sugar                    

•    150 ml oil                     

•    10 gm fennel seeds                 

•    50 gm khoya                  

•    100 gm curd                    

Malpuas for Teej

Method:

1.    Mix the refined flour in a mixing bowl, add fennel seeds and cardamom. Mix well. 

2.    Add grated khoya in the flour and add beaten curd.

3.    Add little water to the mixture for smooth consistency.

4.    Cover it for 45 mins at room temperature. 

5.    Prepare the sugar syrup and keep aside. 

6.    Heat the pan and add oil and ghee for shallow-frying the Malpua. 

7.    Cook the Malpua until golden-brown.

8.    Dip all the Malpuas into the sugar syrup. 

9.    Serve hot. 

Gujiya 

A dumpling-shaped dessert stuffed with nuts and khoya, Gujiya is a popular dessert for festivals like Holi and Teej. 

Ingredients:                 

•    350 gms refined flour                

•    200 gms khoya                     

•    5 gms green cardamom            

•    50 gms almond                    

•    150 gms semolina                     

•    100 ml ghee                        

•    100 gms sugar                           

•    200ml refined oil                

Gujiyas for Teej

Method: 

1. Mix the flour and make dough, add ghee in the dough. Keep it for 30 min to rest

2. Prepare filling with semolina dry fruits and ghee and sugar 

3. Stuff it nicely and make the Gujiya shape

4. Heat the pan and add oil for deep fry.

5. Fry the gujiyas until golden brown.

6. Serve it at room temperature.