Karisma Kapoor has a unique connection to the Sindhi dish ‘lolis’!

So, now that you know the origin of Karisma’s nickname, let’s learn about Sindhi meethi lolis. “It is a sweet flat crust or bread made with whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and a touch of cardamom powder. During Thadri festival (celebrated in September), it is served cold,” Chef Montu Saini told indianexpress.com.

According to him, this sweet dish has a low glycaemic index, and uses jaggery in place of sugar as a sweetener. Although it is called flatbread, it is more of a pie crust that is brought together by adding fat like ghee with flour and melted jaggery. “There is no gluten formation unlike in bread,” he shared.

The combination of whole wheat and jaggery (or sugar) provides a quick and sustained energy boost, making them a good option for a snack or breakfast. ” When made at home, sweet lolis are free from preservatives and artificial additives, making them a healthier option compared to commercially available sweets,” said clinical dietitian Garima Goyal.

Chef Shipra Khanna appreciates traditional and regional recipes like Sindhi lolis. “Sindhi lolis are a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious and comforting. The crispy texture and the burst of flavours from the ingredients make it a perfect treat for any time of the day,” said Khanna.

Here’s a recipe from chef Sanjeev Kapoor

Ingredients

¼ cup – Chopped jaggery
2 cups – Whole wheat flour
¼ cup – Sugar
A large pinch of green cardamom powder
¼ cup ghee + for applying

Method

*Heat jaggery, sugar, and ¼ cup water in a deep pan. Let it melt and allow it to cool completely.

*Add green cardamom powder to whole wheat flour and mix well. Add ghee and rub the mixture between your fingers till it resembles breadcrumb-consistency.

*Add the cooled jaggery-sugar mixture little by little and knead till a dough is formed. Cover and set aside for 5-10 minutes.

*Take a medium-sized portion of the dough and shape it into a ball. Flatten and roll it into a disc of medium thickness. Make light crisscross design on the disc with a knife.

*Heat a non-stick tawa and cook the disc on low heat for 6-8 minutes. Flip and apply some ghee; cook the other side. Flip again, apply more ghee, and cook for 1 minute.

*Serve.

While sweet lolis are delicious on their own, they can also be paired with yogurt or pickles to enhance their flavour profile, shared Goyal.