Ramadan 2022 special Shahi Shakarpara

Recipe by Chef Kunal Kapur...

Ramadan for the year 2022 starts on the evening of Saturday, April 02 lasting 30 days and ending at sundown on Sunday, May 01. Islamic holidays always begin at sundown and end at sundown the days ending the festival. 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of fasting, prayer, giving and self - evaluation observed by Muslims. The month lasts 29-30 days depending on the sightings of the crescent moon. The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self - improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self - discipline, self - control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. 

At sunset, families break the fast with the iftar, traditionally opening the meal by eating dates to commemorate Muhammad's practice of breaking the fast with three dates. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran, which comprises thirsty juz (sections), over the thirty days of Ramadan. 

Shahi Shakarpara is one of the traditional Indian snacks which is loved by everyone, not just for their taste, but also for the royal shape they come in. Chef Kunal Kapur shared an easy recipe of Shahi Shakarpara on his Instagram profile a day back and urged us to try it at home to make the Ramadan evenings more festive. 

(Ingredients) 

* 500 gms maida 

* A pinch salt 

* For frying oil 

* Chilled water - as required 

* 2 cup sugar 

* 1 cup water 

* A dash milk 

(Method) 

In a bowl, make a dough with maida, ghee, salt and water. Then rest it for 15-20 minutes. In a separate pan, mix sugar, water and a dash of milk and bring it to boil. Cool the sugar syrup down. Then spread out the dough thin (2mm) and cut into rectangle shape 6"×3". Make slits breadthwise on the dough leaving 1 cm from top and bottom. Give 1/2 cm wide slits throughout the dough. Then dust try flour on top of the dough. Dip your finger in water and run through the edges and fold it like a book fold. Repeat the process again for another book fold. 

Make a knot like shape by folding the top edge and bending and bringing the top edge through the center to the other side. Then deep fry the Shakarpara in medium hot oil till it turns golden brown. Let the Shakarpara cool down. Dip the Shakarpara in sugar syrup for 30 seconds and sprinkle nuts on top. Rest it for an hour before serving.