Flaky Poli Recipe
Flaky Poli Recipe or Gujiya is an Indian sweet treat made with a flaky deep-fried pastry and filled with coconut, sesame seeds, cardamom and almond. it is usually prepared for a special occasion.
Flaky Poli Recipe
This brings back memories of my childhood. I remember my mum making this for Diwali. She never made it quite the same, she used a more nutty filling.
However, I prefer this filling without the addition of nuts. My mum-in-law makes her filling this way.
She is a great cook and I have learned a few tricks from her over the years.
This Flaky Poli can be deep-fried immediately or can be frozen. Be sure to separate them with some plastic or cling wrap so they don’t stick together.
Festival Treat
This sweet treat is often made during Deepavali, the festival of lights.
I remember our families preparing for the occasion days in advance and they baked every sweet treat they could.
When we were little we lived in a big humble home with extended family. My mum and my cousins always baked together.
Those were the good old days. The memories holds a special place in my heart.
We always had new clothes and lit clay lamps and fireworks. It was a time for family and our home was always filled with love.
Over the years it has changed, kids have moved away from their hometowns and are now living miles apart from parents and siblings.
Diwali is not declared a holiday in SA so most people work and can only celebrate in the evenings.
Families are so far apart so we also don’t get to spend it with every member of our family, like in the old days. It is a sad reality, but it is how the world has changed.
Although we miss our parents and siblings we do try to keep it festive and make it as special as we can.
Diwali will not be the same if there’s no sweet treats so I am sure to make a few of my families favourites.
I do share with my neighbours and friends because it’s what I do best. During Diwali we share sweet treats with our loved ones to show gratitude.
We also offer them sweet treats to wish them good health, happiness and prosperity.
How to make the Flaky Poli Recipe
This Flaky Poli Recipe is light and crisp as I increased the quantity of butter.
The amount of condensed milk is just the right amount for us, however you can increase it, if you wish.
You make the Poli by first making a light, buttery pastry. It is fairly easy to make. Do not over handle the pastry or it will not be flaky.
It is then filled with a mixture made with coconut, sesame seeds, condensed milk, cardamom and almond.
It can be made ahead and frozen or you can fry them immediately after filling them.
Freezing the Poli
When freezing the Poli please ensure each layer is separted with cling wrap or wax paper.
If you do not separate them they stick together and will become a disaster.
They are best fried when frozen. Always remember a cold pastry will result in a crisp pastry.
Perfect little sweet treat with your favorite tea or coffee!
In India they make a similar treat but they call it Karanji or Gujiya.
More Sweet Treats to try:
Easy 5-Minute Rose Pistachio Burfee
First Published October, 18 2018. Updated, 23 October 2024
Flaky Poli Recipe
Ingredients
- 125 gram butter
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1/2 cup cold milk you may need more or a little less
- 1 cup dessicated coconut
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoon elachie/cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoon almond powder
- 2 tablespoon flaked almonds
- 1/2 cup condensed milk depending on how sweet you prefer it
Instructions
- Fry the coconut, almonds and sesame seeds in a pan, on low heat, until it turns slightly brown. Add cardamom and almond powder, mix and add condensed milk. Mix well and set aside
- For the pastry, rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it forms fine breadcrumbs
- Pour the milk, a little at a time until the dough comes together. Do not overmix the dough. Remember you want a flaky pastry so overhandling the dough will result in a stiff pastry. Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out each portion of dough about 26cmx30cm , approximately 3mm thickness, and cut out round circles with a cookie cutter, 8cm will do.
- Place a teaspoon of filling onto one side of each circle and fold it over, spread some of the flour paste on the edges of the circle. Bring the edges together and press it down with your fingertips
- You can make a rope like design on the edge of the poli or you can press it with a fork
- Fry the poli in hot oil over medium heat. Serve warm
Notes
- Never add all of the milk at once, you could use more or less milk
- You can omit the almonds if you wish and you can also add some nuts if you prefer.
- You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste by adding a little more condensed milk. This filling is not super sweet and for me it has the right amount of sweetness.
- You can freeze the poli by placing them in an airtight container, separate the layers with cling wrap.
- To test if the oil is hot enough, place the back of a wooden spoon in the oil and if the oil bubbles rapidly it is ready.
I made these for the first time this Diwali. Absolute perfection! It was flaky, light and full of flavours that brought to focus all the beautiful Diwalis of the past. I received many compliments on this little wonder treat – even made it better than most of the seasoned bakers in the family 🙂 Thank you Lorraine, for sharing this gem. Definitely trying out more of your lovely recipes!
Thank you so much Ashlyn. I’m really happy to hear that. At least you got to be the star:-)
Hi . I tried the recipe. Was excellent. Although my poli did open a little . I will use flour paste in future. But excellent recipe. Thank you for sharing with us
Thank you. Yes if not sealed properly it will open up. Maybe next time brush the edges with some water and then use a fork:-)
I have enjoyed reading your Recipe for South African Poli Recipe. I will be try making it this Deepavali.
Having lived in Zambia for Ten Years,I feel a deep sense of kinship.
Thanks for your Recipe Lorraine.
Thank you Leela. Hope its a success:-)