Ahoi Ashtami Special: The festival of Ahoi Ashtami holds great significance for mothers. On this day, women observe a fast and worship Ahoi Mata with prescribed rituals, praying for the long life, prosperity, and happiness of their children. For this special occasion, various delicacies and sweets are prepared in homes. Among these traditional treats, 'gulgule'—sweet fritters made from wheat flour and jaggery (or sugar)—hold a special place.

They are incredibly delicious, soft, and tender on the inside. If you are looking to prepare something traditional and sweet at home for Ahoi Ashtami, 'gulgule' are an excellent choice. They require only a few simple ingredients. Let’s look at an easy recipe for making soft, sweet, and fluffy 'gulgule'.

Ingredients for making Gulgule:
Wheat flour – 1 cup
Jaggery – ½ cup
Water – as needed
Fennel seeds – 1 teaspoon
Cardamom powder – ¼ teaspoon
Grated coconut – 2 tablespoons (optional)
Baking soda – 1 pinch (optional)
Ghee or oil for frying

Method for making Jaggery Gulgule:

1. Prepare the jaggery solution

First, place the jaggery in a vessel, add some lukewarm water, and stir until it dissolves completely. Once the jaggery has fully dissolved, strain the liquid to remove any impurities.

2. Prepare the flour batter

In a large mixing bowl, take the wheat flour. Add the fennel seeds, cardamom powder, and grated coconut. Gradually pour in the jaggery water and mix until you achieve a thick batter.

3. Let the batter rest

Whisk the batter thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps. Cover it and let it rest for about 10–15 minutes. Ensure that the batter is neither too thin nor too thick.

4. Preparing to fry the *gulgule* (sweet fritters)

Heat *ghee* or oil in a deep pan (*kadhai*). Using your hand or a spoon, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil.

5. Making golden and fluffy *gulgule*

Fry the *gulgule* over medium heat. Once they puff up and turn golden brown, remove them from the oil. Continue the process until all the batter has been used.

You can also make delicious *gulgule* using sugar.

If you do not have jaggery (*gur*) at home, you can make these sweet fritters using sugar instead.
Mix half a cup of sugar with one cup of flour.
Dissolve the sugar in a little lukewarm water.
Add the flour, fennel seeds, and cardamom to the mixture to prepare the batter.
Let the batter rest for 10 minutes, then fry small portions in hot *ghee* or oil.

Tips for making soft and fluffy *gulgule*
Whisk the batter thoroughly; this ensures the *gulgule* turn out light and fluffy.
Keep the consistency of the batter thick.
Do not overheat the oil; otherwise, the *gulgule* may cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.
Always fry them over medium heat.
If you are using jaggery, remember to strain the jaggery solution.
For extra softness, you can also add some mashed ripe banana to the batter.

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