Shakarpara Recipe (Shankarpali)

User Reviews

5

21 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Resting Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    55 mins

  • Servings

    8

  • Calories

    222 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    Indian

Shakarpara Recipe (Shankarpali)

Shakarpara are crispy fried Indian sweets made from a stiff dough of all-purpose flour, sugar dissolved in warm water, salt, and cooking oil. The dough is rolled thick and cut into diamond or square shapes before frying. Cooking the pieces in medium-low heat ensures a golden, crisp exterior and fully cooked interior. These crunchy treats are often prepared during festivals or as a sweet snack.

Description

The Shakarpara Recipe (Shankarpali) features a dough combining all-purpose flour, sugar dissolved in warm water, neutral cooking oil, and a pinch of salt. The dough is mixed until it holds shape and then rested briefly. It is rolled out thickly and cut into diamonds or squares for frying. The key to achieving the right texture is frying over medium-low heat, which allows the pieces to cook through and develop a golden crispness without burning. The frying oil should be properly heated as tested by dropping a small dough piece before frying the whole batch.

This recipe yields sweet, crunchy bites with a lightly oily texture typical of fried dough sweets. The sugar in the dough creates a caramelized sweetness balanced by the savory notes of salt and cooking oil. Shakarpara can be stored and enjoyed later or given as festive treats.

For a different cooking method, the dough pieces can be baked or air fried, though the texture is somewhat harder compared to frying. The straightforward method of rolling, cutting, and frying prepares enjoyable sweet snacks that hold well and can be made ahead.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 1/2 cup sugar 100 grams
  • 1/4 cup water warm
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour 300 grams, maida
  • 1/4 cup neutral cooking oil 50 grams, generic cooking oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • neutral cooking oil for frying, generic cooking oil

Instructions

Make the dough

  1. Mix sugar in warm water for a few minutes or until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the maida (all-purpose flour), oil, salt to a large bowl. Mix using one hand such that the oil gets completely mixed in the dough. Keep mixing for 1-2 minutes. Check that the dough holds its shape when taken in hand.
  3. Now add the sugar water to flour and mix to make a stiff dough (similar to puri). Add minimum additional water to make the dough. I just needed 2 tablespoons water more to make the dough.
  4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Roll/Cut the dough

  1. Now divide the dough into 3 parts and make balls. Roll out the dough thick, like a paratha. Cut into diamond or square shapes. You can use a roller to make it easier to cut the shakarpara. Or you can use a large knife or pizza cutter to cut them too.
  2. Separate each square and keep aside in a plate. It is okay to keep the squares on top of each other. They will easily separate when frying.

Fry the shakarpara

  1. In a kadai/wok, heat the oil on medium-high flame. Then Reduce the flame to medium.
  2. Dip the cut dough pieces in the hot oil. Fry while stirring frequently till the shake pare turn golden brown (about 4-6 minutes). You will need to make and fry them in multiple batches.
  3. Take them out and lay them on a kitchen towel. When completely cool, serve or store them in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Roll and cut all the dough pieces before frying to avoid rushing during cooking.
  • Test the frying oil temperature by dropping a small dough piece; it should quickly rise to the surface before frying all pieces.
  • Maintain medium-low heat while frying to ensure the inside cooks fully and the exterior crisps to a golden brown.
  • Fried Shakarpara should be drained on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • For a less oily option, bake the pieces at 300°F for 12 to 15 minutes or air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, noting the texture will be firmer than fried.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 222kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 36g (12%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Sodium 74mg (3%) Potassium 34mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 13g (26%) Calcium 5mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 222 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 222kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 36g 12%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Sodium 74mg 3%
Potassium 34mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 13g 26%
Calcium 5mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

21 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Tiramisu

Italian
5.0 (18 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Angel Food Cake

American
5.0 (18 reviews)

Birthday Cake Pie

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Apple Fritters

American
5.0 (24 reviews)

Dirt Cake

American
5.0 (3 reviews)

Chocolate Covered Oreos

American
5.0 (18 reviews)

M&M Cookies

American
5.0 (24 reviews)

Lemon Curd

French
5.0 (21 reviews)

Banana Bread Cookies

American
5.0 (3 reviews)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

American
5.0 (21 reviews)