Chatti Gundar – A Bohra Delight similar to Panjiri
Calling all sweet tooths and culture enthusiasts! Get ready to whip up some Goond Phera,also known as chatti gundar, a Bohra dessert that’s as delicious as it is historic. Think of it as a sweet fusion between tradition and a touch of Panjiri magic, creating an explosion of flavor in your mouth (and a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart).
The Story Behind the Sweet:
Goond Phera has been gracing Bohra celebrations for generations, like a sweet soundtrack to their vibrant culture. It takes inspiration from Panjiri, a South Asian classic, and blends those familiar flavors with unique Bohra twists, making it a taste bud adventure you won’t forget.
What’s in a Name?
“Goond Phera” isn’t just a name, it’s a story! “Goond” refers to the Tragacanth Gum, a key ingredient that gives it that awesome chewy texture. “Phera” talks about the roasting and blending process that transforms everything into a sweet masterpiece. The name Chatti Gundar comes from the occassion in which it’s serve “Chatti” meaning naming ceremony for the new born, and “Gundar” refers to the tragacanth gum which literally means gum.Pretty cool, right?
More Than Just a Celebration Treat:
While Goond Phera shines at Bohra naming ceremonies, it’s also a welcome guest at all sorts of festive gatherings. It’s a symbol of joy, cultural richness, and pure deliciousness. Plus, it’s often shared with new moms, bringing a touch of sweetness to their special moments.
A Feast for the Senses:
Get ready for a sensory overload (in the best way possible)! As you roast the wheat flour with ghee and spices, it turns into a golden-brown dream. The Tragacanth Gum adds its unique chew, and the air fills with the intoxicating scent of saffron. Imagine the final product, adorned with nuts, offering a symphony of textures – a satisfying crunch against the chewy base, a flavor party in every bite.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to create your own Goond Phera magic? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient List:
- Atta (whole wheat flour)
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Gundh/Goond (Tragacanth Gum)
- Icing Sugar, to taste (approximately 250g-300g)
- Cardamom Powder
- Kesar (Saffron)
- Slivered Almonds & Pista (optional)
Step-by-Step Sweetness:
- Ghee & Gondh Dance: Heat ghee in a pan until it shimmers. Fry the Tragacanth Gum until it puffs up like tiny clouds, then set it aside.
- Golden Transformation: In the same pan, using the remaining ghee, roast the whole wheat flour on low heat. Stir constantly to avoid uneven browning. Watch it turn into a beautiful, golden-brown masterpiece, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
- Warmth Infusion: Once the flour is golden perfection, sprinkle in the cardamom powder, letting its warm, aromatic essence dance through the air. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Reunion & Radiance: Add the fried Tragacanth Gum back to the cooled flour, followed by the saffron, which paints the mixture with a delightful golden hue.
- Sweet Symphony: Let the mixture cool further until it’s warm enough to touch. Then, gradually add sieved icing sugar, adjusting the amount to your desired sweetness. Remember, we want a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors, not overpowers them.
- Crunch Time: Make it visually stunning and even more delicious by adding slivered almonds and pistachios. Imagine the satisfying crunch of these gems against the chewy base, creating a textural symphony in every bite.
- Blending Bliss: Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the flavors are evenly distributed, promising a delightful explosion in every mouthful.
- Flavorful Journey: Store your Goond Phera in an airtight container, allowing the flavors to meld and mature over time. This ensures each bite is bursting with depth and complexity. Ideally, store it for at least a day before enjoying it, but it can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Patience is a Virtue: Goond Phera tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. So, store it in an airtight container for at least a day, or even longer, to reach its full potential.
Serving Up Joy:
- Chai Time Bliss: Pair your Goond Phera with a warm cup of chai for a truly comforting and culturally immersive experience.
- Festive Feast: Goond Phera shines alongside other Bohra delicacies, creating a feast that tantalizes the taste buds and celebrates cultural heritage.
More Than Just a Recipe:
Goond Phera isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cultural experience, a taste of tradition with a modern twist. So, put on some music, gather your loved ones, and create some sweet memories (and even sweeter treats) with Goond Phera!
Bonus Tip:
Feeling adventurous? You can swap the whole wheat flour for other millet flours like pearl millet, for a healthy twist. And don’t worry about the nuts – if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version, just leave them out! The deliciousness remains.
Texture, Color, Scent, and Taste Throughout the Cooking Process:
As you create your Goond Phera, immerse yourself in the sensory experience:
- Texture: Witness the transformation of wheat flour from a rough texture to a smooth, golden-brown concoction as it absorbs ghee. The Tragacanth Gum adds a delightful chewiness, while nuts contribute a contrasting crunch.
- Color: Observe the gradual transition from pale to a deep, inviting golden-brown as the wheat flour roasts. The saffron infusion adds a vibrant, golden tint.
- Scent: Immerse yourself in the aromatic journey, from the initial warm notes of ghee and roasted flour to the captivating essence of cardamom and saffron.
- Taste: Experience the evolving taste profile, from the nutty warmth of roasted flour to the subtle sweetness imparted by icing sugar. The infusion of cardamom and saffron adds layers of complexity, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the taste buds. The final ensemble, enriched with slivered nuts, provides a delightful crunch, completing the culinary masterpiece.
Bohra Goond Phera | Chatti Gundar
Ingredients
- 3 cups Atta whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup Ghee clarified butter
- 2 handfuls of Gundh Tragacanth Gum
- Icing Sugar to taste (approximately 250g-300g)
- 1-2 tsp Cardamom Powder
- 2-3 pinches of Kesar Saffron
- Slivered Almonds & Pista optional
Instructions
- Heat 1/2 cup of ghee in a large bottom pan. Once the ghee is hot, add the gundh (Tragacanth Gum) and fry them until they puff up. Once they've puffed up, remove them and place them on a plate.
- In the same pan with the remaining heated ghee, add the whole wheat flour (Atta). Roast the flour on a low flame until it changes color and releases a wonderful aroma. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Stir continuously to avoid burning at the bottom.
- Mix in the cardamom powder to infuse the aromatic flavor into the roasted flour.
- Add the previously fried puffed gundh (Tragacanth Gum) to the flour mixture. Follow this with the addition of kesar (saffron) for that delightful golden hue.
- Allow the mixture to cool down to a touchable temperature.
- Once the mixture has cooled, gently add the sieved icing sugar. The sweetness of Goond Phera is subtle, and the icing sugar will lend the perfect level of sweetness. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- If you choose to add slivered almonds and pistachios, this is the time to do it. They'll add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the dessert.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Store your delicious Goond Phera in an airtight container, letting the flavors meld and mature.
- Enjoy the enchanting flavors of Goond Phera as they transport you to a world of tradition and taste.
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- Goond Phera is a versatile dessert perfect for various occasions. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its inviting textures and flavors over time.
- Explore the diversity of millet flours! Experiment with pearl millet flour or other millet options for a healthy twist.
- Goond Phera stays fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container. The flavors mature over time, offering a delightful treat even days after preparation.
- You can omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Goond Phera is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dessert.
Glossary
- Tragacanth Gum Mystery: This unique ingredient comes from the sap of a Persian plant. You can find it in specialty stores or online. For a healthier option, try guar gum or xanthan gum.
- Millet Magic: Absolutely! Experiment with pearl millet flour or other millet options for a nutritious twist.
- Freshness Factor: Stored properly, Goond Phera stays fresh for up to two weeks. The flavors deepen over time, so enjoy it even days after making it.
- Nut-Free Fun: No problem! Skip the nuts for a delicious nut-free version.
- Vegetarian Delight: Goond Phera is naturally vegetarian, using only plant-based ingredients.
Goond Phera isn’t just a dessert, it’s a journey into Bohra culture and culinary traditions. Explore healthy alternatives, celebrate different occasions, and most importantly, have fun while creating this sweet masterpiece!
I hope this completes the recipe and provides you with all the information you need to enjoy making and sharing Goond Phera!
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
#GoondPhera #BohraCuisine #HealthyDessert #MilletsInCooking🍰
