Crunchy Mithai / Kurma

📝 Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1/3 cup freshly grated coconut, (squeezed to drain milk)
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 2-3 tbsp butter or vegetable shortening
• 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp anise seeds (optional)
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup water
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Mix flour, coconut, sugar, and spices in a...: Mix flour, coconut, sugar, and spices in a deep bowl. Cut butter or shortening in mixture until small pea sizes are formed.
2. 2Combine evaporated milk, water, and grated ginger, stir,...: Combine evaporated milk, water, and grated ginger, stir, then add to flour mixture. Knead to form a dough ball. Set aside for 1/2 hour minimum.
3. 3Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into...: Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into thin strips. The thinner you cut, the crunchier it will be after frying.
4. 4Heat oil on medium fire. Fry strips until...: Heat oil on medium fire. Fry strips until golden brown. Let strips cool completely before tossing in sugar syrup.
5. 5Combine sugar, water, and vanilla, if using. Boil...: Combine sugar, water, and vanilla, if using. Boil on low for about 35 minutes, or longer depending on your stove. Test sugar in water to see if it has reached the "soft ball" stage.
6. 6When sugar is ready, pour over mithai strips...: When sugar is ready, pour over mithai strips and toss until sugar is no longer clear and has become white.