Pheni / Sutar Pheni - Instant and Authentic versions !

Pheni or SutarPheni is a thin pre fried spiral shaped vermicelli sold at every nook and corner  of the Indian streets, at times of Karwachauth and Diwali. This is traditionally had as sargi in the wee hours of the Karwachauth day as it’s almost a no cook and quick recipe but keeps you satiated for long but we Telaganites (people of Telangana state) have it on the day of Diwali post the Pooja and other rituals as a treat for the festivity.  Though the reasons differ from North to South but the motive  remains the same, to keep you  happy and contended. Finding the exact tasting Sutar Pheni here was so unreal. All they had to sell in its name  was Vermicelli .. So frustrating ! Well not for too long :) Tried both the authentic and instant versions of Sutar Pheni and the results were immaculate. Making this from scratch can sound tedious but the result is absolutely amazing.  Without any more blah blah let’s get to the kitchens !                                                                                             Authentic Sutar Pheni :                                              Ingredients : Yields 4 2 cups : All purpose flour  Water as needed for dough making 1 cup : Ghee melted 1/2 cup : Flavorless Oil 1/3 cup : Cornflour / Arrow root powder Oil for deep frying  For serving :  Chopped nuts of choice Warm milk Powdered sugar to taste Method :  To a mixing bowl add the flour and knead it to a semi stiff pliable dough adding water as needed.                                                              Cover and set it aside for half hour. Add Oil, Ghee and Corn flour to a bowl and mix them thoroughly resulting in a slurry like paste. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Pat them flat and make a hole in its center. To a tray with depth or a baking pan add the slurry we prepared  and place these doughnut like dough balls.                                                               Allow them to sit in the slurry for 15 to 20 minutes, so that they soak up a little and turn elastic. Now holding the dough from its hole stretch it slowly to a form a rope like. Shape it to figure 8 and place on half over the other.                                                               Hold both the rings and slowly stretch them again until doubled in length. Twist it again to 8 and place one half over the other.                                                                Repeat the step of stretching , twisting and overlapping for about 16 to 20 times.                                                                After which the slurry gets completely soaked up by the dough and thin threads can be seen.                                                                Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying the Pheni. Also place a wire rack over a flat tray and set us  ready for resting the Pheni. Once the oil turns hot , pat and flatten the shaped dough ball into disc as shown.                                                                Slowly lift and slide it into the hot oil.                                                                                                                               Carefully fry until it’s completely cooked on both  sides and turns light golden in color. Place it over the wire rack and allow the excess oil to drain off.                                                                 They would turn crispy and flaky as they cool down.                                                                 Repeat and fry the rest similarly. For serving :  Crush the Sutar Pheni , add it to the bowl , pour sweetened milk to preference, top it with chopped nuts and serve.                                                       Instant Sutar Pheni :                                                                                                             Ingredients : Yields : 12 pcs  400 gm pack : Kataifi filo  Oil for deep frying  For serving : Chopped nuts of choice Warm milk Powdered sugar to taste  Thaw the kataifi filo as per packaging instructions.                                                              Pull of strands of filo carefully and shape them to discs by spiraling.                                                                       Heat enough oil for deep frying in a deep pan or Kadai. Also set a wire rack over a flat tray for resting the fried filo. Place the rolled filo over a metal strainer and immerse it into hot oil.                                                                                                                                             Fry it in the strainer for few seconds and place over the wire rack.                                                                      Allow the excess oil to drain and let them turn dry to touch. For serving :  Crush the Sutar Pheni , add it to the bowl , pour sweetened milk to preference, top it with chopped nuts and serve.                                                                                                                         Either ways it tastes just amazing. Choose what suits you  and indulge in its goodness :) Do give this authentic dish a try and do share your feedback :)