Chhath Puja Special: Authentic Thekua Recipe To Celebrate The Festival

Thekua is a traditional sweet delicacy, one of the most important items of prasad which are made during Chhath Puja or Sun God worship during the Hindu festival. This crispy, cookie-like treat is made using simple ingredients like whole wheat flour, jaggery, sugar, and ghee and a hint of fennel seeds, mixed along with grated coconut to bring in added flavor. Deep fried to a golden brown color gives it a sweet taste that is very slightly crispy for a bite.

Thekua is an integral part of the religious and cultural practices that are followed in Chhath Puja. People prepare it as an offering and offer it to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Shashti) during the holy rituals performed alongside rivers or water bodies. It is shared among family members and friends, symbolizing blessings and unity at the auspicious ceremony.

Ingredients:

• -2 cups whole wheat flour
• -1 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
• -1/4 cup grated coconut (optional, for extra flavor)
• -1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• –1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• -Oil or ghee for frying
• -1/2 cup water (or as needed)

Guide To Prepare

Step 1: Prepare The Jaggery Syrup

In a small pan, add 1 cup of jaggery and around 1/2 cup of water. Heat the mixture on a low flame.

Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour, grated coconut, fennel seeds, and cardamom powder.

Step 3: Add Ghee And Jaggery Syrup

Add 2 tablespoons of ghee to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingers.

Step 4: Shape The Thekua

Once the dough is ready, take small portions and shape them into round or oval discs.

Step 5: Fry The Thekua

Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Take it out of the pan and let it cool for about 2 minutes and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Consistency of Dough: Ensure the dough is firm but pliable; too soft dough may cause the Thekua to break during frying.

Frying Temperature: Keep the oil at medium heat to avoid burning the Thekua. Frying on low heat helps achieve a crunchy texture.

Jaggery Variation: For an extra deep flavor, use unrefined jaggery. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less according to taste.