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    Home » Desserts » Vegetarian Desserts

    Rose Coconut Karanji

    Published: Oct 10, 2017 · Modified: Mar 30, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 48 Comments

    604 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Rose Coconut Karanji is a crispy pastry filled with sweet and delicate rose-flavored coconut filling that simply melts in your mouth.

    Karanji stacked up in a platter

    It is Diwali this week and if I can share one traditional recipe with you, it would hands down be this rose coconut Karanji. A modern twist to the traditional karanji or gujiya, this divine treat has aromatic filling bundled around crispy layered pastry.  Happy Diwali everyone!

    Karanji stacked up in a platter

    Diwali

    The festival of lights, Diwali is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year, celebrated over 5 days. It is my favorite Indian festival with many fond memories of it growing up. My mom would start her preparations a month in advance.

    House is decorated with lanterns and pretty clay diyas. Fresh yellow and orange marigold garlands and mango leaves hung on the doors and gorgeous rangolis made in front of the house. And the best part? A festive home filled with family, friends, and the amazing aromas of the delicious sweets and savories made by mom.

    One traditional dish made in most Maharashtrian homes is the Karanji, a fried pastry with sweet coconut filling. One year my mom decided to change her recipe. She now made it with a new fragrant filling, which we LOVED so much it instantly replaced her old recipe and became a new tradition for every Diwali since.

    rose coconut karanji on a platter

    Given this is my first Diwali recipe post, I wanted to share this rose coconut karanji recipe is beautiful, aromatic, and flavorful. An interesting part of this recipe is it uses food colors homemade from roasted beetroot juice and saffron strands instead of artificial food coloring.

    The filling itself is quite easy and can be made in under 5 minutes. Simply mix fine coconut powder, powdered sugar, gulkand, and rose essence. Another amazing recipe with the yummy gulkand{rose petal preserve} that I also love to add in the seviyan kheer.

    rose coconut karanji stacked up on platter

    Since the filling is so effortless, sometimes I make the outer pastry covering a bit fancy by adding flaky layers. This is completely optional as single-layered outer covering tastes equally good too. So if you are short on time you can skip the layering process.

    Process

    Step by step process to make layered rose coconut karanji:

    The first step is to prepare the dough. Note: Layering is completely optional. When short on time, I make them without layering. I simply roll the dough, fill and fry for delicious karanji's.

    Here are the steps for flaky layered karanji:

    • Divide the dough into 3 parts. Add a teaspoon of roasted beetroot juice (or few drops of red coloring) to one part and knead well for 5 minutes.
    • Soak saffron in a teaspoon of warm milk and add it to the second part. Knead well for 5 minutes.
    • Knead the remaining white dough for 2-3 minutes.
    • Roll each dough ball into a 12-inch circle.
    • Mix melted ghee and rice flour to form smooth rice paste and keep aside.
    • Start with the white rolled circle, apply a thin layer of rice paste.
    • Put the pink circle on top of the white and apply a thin layer of rice paste on it.
    • Lastly, layer the yellow circle and apply the remaining rice paste to it.
    • Roll the three layers tightly to form a long roll.
    colored dough
    Rolled dough
    Layering
    Making-karanji
    form a roll
    • Cut the roll in the middle and then cut each part into ¼th inch discs.
    Cut the roll into half
    Cut each half into 10-12 discs
    • For each disc, press the outer white edge forward so the outermost layer is on the top/front. With the layers overlapping each other and the disc forming an oval shape. This step is very important as it keeps the layers together while rolling. Do not flatten the disk at its center by pressing on the top as the layers may start opening as you roll them.
    rolled dough on a wooden board
    • Roll each disc into a 3-inch circle.
    • Put the sweet filling in the center.
    • Apply, little milk on the edges using your finger. Then, fold the circle over to form a semi-circle with the edges sealing the filling inside. I prefer picking up the disc in my hand than, adding the filling and sealing. Although, it can also be done on a board.
    Filling in the center and apply milk on the edges
    seal the karanji by pressing the edges
    • Once the karanji is sealed firmly, using a fork press the edges to form a pretty pattern or the edges can also be folded into tiny pleats.
    filled karanji on a wooden board
    • Continue to roll, fill, and seal rest of the discs.
    Rose coconut karanji ready-to-fry
    • After, all the karanjis are ready. Add, oil into a frying pan on medium-high heat.
    • Once the oil is hot, add 2-3 karanjis. Lower the heat to medium-low and fry for 4-5 minutes turning once halfway through. If, they start to brown sooner, lower the heat further.
    Rose coconut karanji fried

    Allow a complete cooldown. Enjoy the delicious rose coconut karanji with your family and friend and store in an airtight container.

    Rose coconut karanji in 2 plates


    Did you enjoy these yummy Karanji? Here are a few more of my favorite authentic Diwali faral recipes:

    1. Rava Ladoo - with fresh coconut, cardamom & nuts
    2. Besan Ladoo - melt in your mouth ladoo with gram flour
    3. Mom’s special Saranachi Puri AKA Sanjori or Satori, these sweet puri’s stuffed with delicious coconut and jaggery filling laced with cardamom and nutmeg
    4. Shankarpali - Also known as Shakarpara, these bite-sized treats are perfectly sweetened and loved by all
    5. Chakli - Savory crunchy spirals made with multigrain flour with a touch of spice
    6. Palak Sev - Made with spinach these garlicky crunchy noodles are fun to make and eat

    Want to know more about Diwali and how it is celebrated in my family? Check out this post I wrote on How I celebrate the 5 days of Diwali, my Rituals, and Traditions!!

    Wondering how to plan an Indian-themed Party Menu? 

    Here is an EASY vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian menu idea:

    Indian Vegetarian Party Menu 

    • Palak Paneer – paneer in spinach sauce 
    • Daal Makhani – creamed black lentils and red kidney beans
    • Whole wheat Parathas – homemade parathas or store-bought Naan 
    • Veg Biriyani – quick and easy Instant Pot recipe 
    • Pineapple Sheera – fresh pineapple cooked in creamy semolina 
    • Beetroot raita – a cooling yogurt side dish to compliment the spices

    Indian Non Vegetarian Party Menu 

    • Butter Chicken – a healthier version of restaurant favorite chicken curry 
    • Malabar Shrimp – spicy South Indian style shrimp curry 
    • Parathas – plain parathas go really well with Indian food or store-bought Naan 
    • Chicken Biryani – my most popular Instant Pot recipe
    • Carrot Halwa – Easy to make and loved by all ‘gajar ka halwa’ 
    • Spicy Cabbage Salad - Crunchy colorful cabbage salad that is healthy, tasty, and super easy to make.

    ★ Tried this recipe? We love your feedback, please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
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    5 from 6 votes

    Rose Coconut Karanji {crispy pastry with sweet rose flavoured coconut filling}

    Karanji is a crispy fried pastry filled with sweet and delicate rose flavored coconut filling that melts divinely in your mouth.
    Prep Time1 hr
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time1 hr 30 mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 20 -24
    Calories: 139kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    Filling

    • 2 cups dry unsweetened coconut
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tablespoon gulkand/rose preserve
    • 1 teaspoon rose essence

    Outside Cover

    • 1½ cups fine rava/semolina
    • 1½ cups all purpose flour
    • 1 cup milk
    • 2 tablespoons ghee
    • oil for frying

    Layering

    • 2 tablespoons rice flour
    • 2 tablespoon butter melted

    Optional Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon beet juice grate a small piece of beet and squeeze out the juice
    • 1 pinch saffron
    • 1 teaspoon milk warm

    Instructions

    • Mix all the ingredients for the filling. Rub filling on the palm of the hands for a couple of minutes so that the rose preserve is mixed evenly.
    • Mix semolina and all-purpose flour. Heat ghee and add to the flour. Warm up the milk. Add ½ cup of milk to the flour and start kneading dough. Add a little bit of milk as required to form a firm dough. Usually, ¾ cup of milk should suffice. But depending on the rava, you may need more or less to make a firm dough. Keep aside for 20 mins.
    • Divide the dough into 3 equal parts**. Add beet juice (or few drops of red coloring) to one part and knead well for 5 mins. Soak saffron in warm milk and add to the second part. Knead well for 5 mins. Knead the remaining white dough for a few minutes.
    • Roll each dough ball into a 12-inch circle. Mix melted ghee and rice flour to form smooth rice paste and keep aside. Start with the white rolled circle, apply a thin layer of rice paste. Put the pink circle on top of the white and apply a thin layer of rice paste on it. Lastly, layer the yellow circle and apply the remaining rice paste to it. Roll the three layers tightly to form a long roll.
    • Cut the roll into 20-24 discs. For each disc, press the outer white edge forward so that the outermost layer is on the top/front with the layers overlapping each other and the disc forming an oval shape. This step is very important as it keeps the layers together while rolling. Do not flatten the disk at its center by pressing on the top as the layers may start opening as you roll them.
    • Roll each disc into a 3-inch circle. Put the sweet filling in the center. Apply little milk on the edges using your finger and then fold the circle over to form a semi-circle with the edges sealing the filling inside. I prefer picking up the disc in my hand and then adding the filling and sealing but it can also be done on a board.
    • Once the karanji is sealed firmly, using a fork press the ends to form a nice pattern or the edges can also be folded into small pleats. Continue to roll and fill the rest of the discs.
    • After all the karanjis are ready, add oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat for 2-3 mins. Once the oil is hot, add 2-3 karanjis, lower the heat to medium-low and fry for 4-5 minutes turning once halfway through. If they start to brown sooner, lower the heat further. Let them cool down completely. Store in an airtight container.

    Notes

    **Note: Layering dough is completely optional. When short on time, I make them without layering. I simply roll the dough, fill and fry for delicious karanji's.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.6mg
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    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    Saranachi Puri {fried flatbread with sweet stuffing} »

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    1. Green Delhi says

      October 29, 2017 at 4:51 am

      They look so beautiful and tasty!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        October 29, 2017 at 10:20 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Ayushi says

      November 04, 2020 at 7:30 pm

      Tried this and it turned out wonderful. Thanks for sharing this recipe.5 stars

      Reply
    3. Nita says

      February 14, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      Hi. Can I use this recipe for the outside claky pastry and fry them in an airfryer?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 16, 2021 at 10:14 pm

        Yes! You can add it as a filling for flaky pastry.

        Reply
    4. Nivedita says

      November 08, 2021 at 2:46 pm

      Having tried your excellent Shankarpali recipe last Diwali, I finally decided to tackle karanji with your help this year. In India, my mom pounds the dough to soften it. I have nothing to pound with. I used my mom's filling recipe, but used your recipe for the crust (non-layered). It was perfect! The outer covering is crispy, flaky and has mostly stayed that way over the 4 days since frying. My only suggestion is to add a pinch of salt to the dry flour + rawa mixture. Thank you for a wonderful recipe! I am glad that I attempted these after 20 years of being afraid to even try.5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 08, 2021 at 10:54 pm

        Thank you for your lovely feedback!

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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