Champakali Lanterns

Diwali is here and it brings lot of wonderful memories too. Although these Champakali or lanterns are mostly made during diwali, these are made very often in our house. The effort that would go in rolling and folding to form these lanterns to the aroma that spreads in the house while frying them...everything is incredible. Not just my sister and I, but even my husband now loves these champakalis made by mom. She would parcel a big box of these specially for my husband during my India trips. She always insists I carry these for him. :)

This recipe is really simple. This is how my mom makes it and we love it :) You could always do the variation or add a different flavor to it too.

Ingredients:
1 cup maida/all purpose flour
1 tsp. ghee
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chilli powder
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds (optional)
1 tbsp. plain yogurt.
Water for making the dough
Oil for frying

In a bowl mix, flour, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, cumin seeds, ghee, and yogurt, Mix the ingredients well.
Add little water at a time to form a stiff dough.
Knead the dough well for 3-4 minutes.
Cover and keep it aside to 20 minutes.
Divide the dough into 15 equal parts.
Press each portion with the palm and roll into a disc. Using a knife, make few vertical and parallel lines.
Roll it gently taking care not the press the center on the disc.
Pick each gently and place on a paper. Let it rest for few minutes.
Pick few rolled champakalis in medium hot oil till they are golden brown.
Remove on a paper towel. It is very important to get these beautiful lantern shapes.
Let it cool and store in an airtight container.
Enjoy!

In a bowl mix, flour, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, cumin seeds, ghee, and yogurt, Mix the ingredients well.