Sweet Maida Biscuits, or kalakala biscuits, is a traditional Indian snack / Indian sweet. This popular treat is known for its irresistible taste, unique texture, and its association with joyous celebrations like the Diwali Festival. These crispy biscuits can also be called Indian Cookies.
Jump to:
- Sweet Maida Biscuits Recipe during Diwali
- About Sweet Maida Biscuits Recipe
- Why you will love these Sweet Maida Biscuits
- Ingredients needed
- How to make Sweet Maida Biscuits Recipe?
- Storage suggestions
- Tips to Make Easy Sweet Maida Biscuit Recipe
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently asked questions
- Other recipes you may like
- Recipe Card
Sweet Maida Biscuits, or Kalakala, is a popular Indian sweet snack. It is characterized by its mild sweetness and unique texture, which is crispy and flaky. These Maida Biscuits are traditionally enjoyed during Indian festivals like Diwali and other special occasions. It is often made in a diamond-shaped form, hence the alternative name “Sweet Diamond Cuts.”
The sweet snack is prepared by deep-frying a dough made from all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and optional flavourings like cardamom. This easy, sweet recipe is appreciated for its delightful taste, cultural significance, and versatility, making it a beloved treat in Indian cuisine, especially during festive occasions.
Sweet Maida Biscuits Recipe during Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour throughout India. It’s that time of the year for families to come together, exchange gifts, and indulge in delicious sweets and snacks. Among the many delectable treats, Diamond Biscuits stand out as a timeless favourite. These little diamonds are always a part of diwali recipes.
These sweet biscuits hold a significant place in Indian culture and traditions. It is especially popular during Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families decorate their homes with diyas (oil lamps) and candles, burst fireworks, and exchange gifts and sweets as a part of the celebrations. Diamond Cuts are prepared at Indian homes and shared with loved ones during this festival to sweeten the joyous atmosphere.
About Sweet Maida Biscuits Recipe
Sweet Maida Biscuits are often called “diamond cuts” because of their distinctive shape. The dough is rolled into a thin sheet, cut into diamond-shaped pieces, and deep-fried until golden and crisp. The resulting snack is delicious and visually appealing, resembling sparkling diamonds. The name “diamond cuts” thus pays homage to its exquisite appearance.
The recipe I am sharing here is my grandmother’s recipe. I grew up eating these maida biscuits right from my childhood. This was often made as an after-school snack. Trust me, these biscuits are super tempting, and you can’t stop with one. These days it is my daughters’ favourite evening snacks.
The appeal of these biscuits lies in their unique texture. When prepared correctly, these sweet diamond cuts are both crispy and flaky. Butter in the dough contributes to the flakiness. The result is a delicate and satisfying snack, making it a favourite among all age groups.
These biscuits are characterized by its mild sweetness, which makes it a versatile, delicious snack. The sweetness primarily comes from powdered sugar; you can adjust the sugar content to suit your preference. Some recipes call for cardamom powder or other spices to enhance the flavour, but the overall taste remains balanced and not overly sugary.
Sweet Maida Biscuits also go by the name Kalakala, Bombay Lakdi, Shakkar Para and Shankarpali, Sweet Thukada.
Why you will love these Sweet Maida Biscuits
Delicious Sweetness: Diamond Cuts are known for their mild and pleasing sweetness. It’s not overpowering, making it a tea-time snack that people of all ages can enjoy. The dish has a delightful flavour that is both comforting and satisfying.
Crispy and Flaky Texture: The unique texture of Sweet Maida Biscuits is a major draw. It is crispy and flaky, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. The butter in the dough contributes to the flakiness and makes the snack more satisfying.
Versatile Snack: Maida Biscuits is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee and can be part of a dessert platter for special occasions. Its balanced sweetness and crunch make it an ideal snack for various situations.
Easy Recipe: Kalakala Biscuits recipe is one of the easiest. Even beginners can make this easily. This wonderful recipe reuires less preparation time, and is definitely a part of kids’ favorite snack items.
Cultural Significance: Sweet Diamond Cuts has deep-rooted cultural significance, especially during Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi. It is shared with family and friends to symbolize joy and prosperity.
Family Tradition: Many families have a tradition of making Sweet Maida Biscuits during festivals and special occasions. This activity brings family members together, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experiences. Preparing these biscuits is often a group effort involving multiple generations, making it a bonding experience.
Community and Sharing: These delicious diamond cuts are not only made for personal consumption but are also prepared in large quantities to share with neighbours, friends, and the underprivileged members of the community during festivals. This act of sharing reflects the spirit of giving and caring integral to Indian festivals.
Customization: The versatility of these biscuits allows for customization. It can be made spicy as well. Families and individuals can experiment with flavours and variations, adding their unique twist to the classic recipe. This freedom of customization adds to the charm of these biscuits. Spicy diamond biscuit is also a delicious alternative to the sweet recipe.
Long Shelf Life: Maida Biscuits have a relatively long shelf life when stored in an airtight container. This makes it a practical choice for festivals, as it can be prepared in advance and enjoyed for an extended period.
Ingredients needed
How to make Sweet Maida Biscuits Recipe?
Add all-purpose flour to a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt, baking soda, and, if desired, cardamom powder for a delightful aroma.
Measure and powder the sugar in a dry grinder. It should be a fine powder.
Mix the powdered white sugar and butter into the bowl of flour. Mix them with your hands. The mixture will be crumbly and resemble the texture of sand.
Add water to the mixture to start making a smooth and pliable dough.
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft.
Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting period makes the dough more manageable and easier to roll out.
After resting, divide the soft dough into smaller portions for easier handling.
Roll one portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly with your palm.
Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about ⅛-inch in thickness. You can use a rolling pin for this.
Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into square or diamond shapes. The size and shape can vary according to your preference.
Heat oil for frying over medium heat in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
Carefully slide the pieces into the hot oil.
Fry them in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to turn them over for even frying.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried biscuits from the oil and place it on a plate lined with tissue paper to absorb any excess oil.
A great tea time snack is ready to be served. Allow the sweet maida biscuits to cool completely before storing.
Storage suggestions
After deep frying the Sweet Maida Biscuits, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that any residual moisture from frying evaporates, which helps maintain their crispness.
Once the diamond cuts have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. A container with a good seal will prevent air from entering and moisture from escaping, helping to preserve their freshness.
While these biscuits have a relatively long shelf life when stored properly, consuming them within two weeks is recommended to enjoy them at their best. Over time, they may become slightly less crispy but can still be consumed.
Tips to Make Easy Sweet Maida Biscuit Recipe
Adjust Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar to make the maida biscuits a little more or a little less sweet, according to your preference.
Flavour Variations: Experiment with different flavours by adding ingredients like nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a hint of orange zest to the dough for a unique twist.
Storage: Keep your sweet maida biscuits in an airtight container after cooling completely. They stay fresh for up to four weeks.
Shape Variations: While the traditional diamond shape is classic, feel free to get creative with different shapes like circles, square shape, or triangles.
Temperature of oil: It is very important to maintain medium-low heat to achieve the desired outcome. Frying at the right temperature ensures that the kalakala biscuit is well cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Festivals: Sweet Diamond Cuts recipe is traditionally associated with Indian festivals and are often served during these special occasions. The most common festival for serving them is Diwali, the festival of lights. During Diwali, people prepare a variety of sweets and snacks, and these golden biscuits are a popular choice. It is offered to guests and shared with friends and family to symbolize joy and prosperity.
Special Occasions: Besides Diwali, these diamond cuts can also be served at other celebratory events such as weddings, engagements, and religious ceremonies. It adds a touch of sweetness and tradition to the festivities.
Coffee or Tea Time: The Sweet Maida Biscuits recipe is a versatile snack that pairs well with tea, coffee, or any beverage you choose. It makes for a delightful accompaniment during tea or coffee breaks, whether hosting guests or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
Dessert Platter: These biscuits can be part of a dessert platter or sweet table during parties and gatherings. It complements other Indian sweets and treats, creating a diverse selection for your guests.
Gifting: Maida Biscuits can be packed in decorative boxes or pouches and given as gifts during festivals and special occasions. It’s a thoughtful and delicious way to extend warm wishes to loved ones and friends.
Snack Box: Pack them in lunchboxes or snack boxes for a delightful and crunchy treat that can be enjoyed as school snacks or on the go. Its long shelf life makes it a convenient snack option.
Year-Round Enjoyment: While the sweet maida biscuits recipe is strongly associated with festivals, there’s no specific time limit for serving or enjoying it. You can make and serve them year-round as a delicious homemade snack for your family and friends.
As a Complement to Other Dishes: Sweet Maida Biscuits can also be used as an ingredient in some Indian dishes. In some regions, it is used in sweet and savoury chivda (mixture) preparations, adding an extra layer of flavour and crunch.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a variation. However, it may result in a slightly different texture and taste.
Ensure your Shankarpali turns out crispy, ensure the oil is hot but not smoking when you begin frying it. Overcrowding the pan can also lead to soggy maida biscuits, so fry them in batches. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Yes, different regions of India have their variations of this snack. For example, in North India, it is known as “Shankarpali / Shakarpara,” while in South India, it is called “Diamond Cuts” or “Maida Biscuits.”
To create a unique twist on the classic recipe, you can experiment with various flavours, such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even citrus zest.
Yes, they can be made in advance for festivals, as it has a long, good shelf life when stored properly.
A savoury version may include cumin seeds, chilli powder, sesame seeds, garlic, curry leaves and other spices. Spicy maida biscuits are as famous as the sweet version.
Excessive sugar can alter the dough’s consistency, making it too soft and sticky. This can make it challenging to work with, as it may not hold its shape during frying. Too much sugar can result in a softer, less crisp end product.
Also, the high sugar content can cause the Diamond cuts to brown too quickly during frying, leading to uneven or overly darkened pieces. When the sugar content is too high, the Sweet Maida Biscuits may absorb more oil during frying, making them greasier.
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Recipe Card
Sweet Maida Biscuits Recipe| Easy Kalakala Sweet
Ingredients
- 250 grams All Purpose Flour / Maida
- 50 grams Butter
- 100 grams Sugar Powdered
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda optional
- Water as needed to form a dough
Instructions
- Add all-purpose flour/ maida to a large mixing bowl. Add salt, baking soda, and cardamom powder for a delightful aroma.
- Measure and powder the sugar in a dry grinder.
- Add the powdered white sugar and butter to the maida mixture.
- Rub with your fingers till it resembles a crumbly texture.
- Add water little by little and start forming the dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5 until it becomes smooth and soft.
- Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting period makes the dough more manageable and easier to roll out.
- After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling.
- Roll one portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly with your palm.
- Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about ⅛-inch in thickness. You can use a rolling pin for this.
- Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into square or diamond shapes.
- Heat enough oil for frying over medium heat in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully slide the pieces into the hot oil.
- Fry them in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to turn them over for even frying.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried maida biscuits from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- A great tea time snack is ready to be served. Allow the sweet maida biscuits to cool completely before storing them in an air tight container.