How to Make Nagpur-style soan roll

Nagpur is not only famous for its oranges but also its variety of traditional sweets. Soan Roll is a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth Indian sweet that’s made with sugar, flour, ghee, and cardamom, commonly enjoyed during festivals or special occasions. This Nagpur-style Soan Roll recipe provides the perfect combination of crunchy layers and a sweet, aromatic center.

This guide will help you make this delightful treat with easy-to-follow, detailed instructions to create an authentic Nagpur-style Soan Roll that can become a star on your dining table!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10-12 pieces

Soan Roll Nagpur Style Ramshiromani Caterers

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
  • 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons saffron milk (optional for color)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios and almonds (for garnish)
  • 2-3 tablespoons silver varkh (silver leaf) for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons rose water (optional)
  • A pinch of baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, sift 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup gram flour, and a pinch of baking soda. This helps remove lumps and ensures smooth mixing.
  2. Add Ghee to the Flour:
    Add 1/2 cup ghee to the flour mixture and rub the ghee into the flour using your fingertips. Continue this process until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  3. Add Milk and Knead:
    Gradually add 1/2 cup milk to the flour mixture and knead it into a soft, pliable dough. The dough should not be sticky. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

  1. Heat Sugar and Water:
    In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1/4 cup water. Stir and heat the mixture on medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Simmer the Syrup:
    Allow the syrup to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a slightly thick consistency. You can test by taking a drop between your fingers—it should form a single-thread consistency.
  3. Add Cardamom and Saffron:
    Add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder and 2 tablespoons saffron-infused milk to the syrup. Stir well and remove from heat. If using rose water, add it at this stage for extra fragrance.

Step 3: Roll the Dough into Thin Layers

  1. Divide the Dough into Balls:
    Divide the rested dough into small balls of equal size (about 10-12 portions).
  2. Roll the Dough:
    On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thin circle (approximately 6-7 inches in diameter). The thinner, the better for flaky layers.
  3. Layer with Ghee and Sugar Mixture:
    Brush each rolled-out dough sheet with melted ghee and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Stack another dough layer on top, and repeat the process with more layers (aim for 3-4 layers total).

Step 4: Shape the Soan Rolls

  1. Cut into Strips:
    Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked dough into long strips about 2 inches wide.
  2. Roll the Strips:
    Gently roll each strip from one end to the other to form the classic cylindrical shape of a soan roll. The layers should be visible on the sides, giving the roll its signature flaky texture.

Step 5: Bake the Soan Rolls

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking tray with ghee or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Bake the Rolls:
    Place the rolled strips onto the tray, ensuring space between them for even baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

  1. Dip in Sugar Syrup:
    Once baked, allow the soan rolls to cool slightly. Then, dip each roll into the prepared sugar syrup, ensuring a light coating. Let the syrup soak for 1-2 minutes before removing.
  2. Garnish:
    Sprinkle chopped pistachios and almonds on top of the sugar-coated soan rolls. For an extra festive touch, apply a layer of silver varkh (silver leaf) to each roll.

Step 7: Let the Rolls Set

  1. Set the Soan Rolls:
    Place the glazed rolls on a wire rack to cool and set for 1 hour. This allows the sugar syrup to be fully absorbed into the flaky layers, enhancing the flavor and texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Soan Rolls

  1. Use Cold Ghee:
    Cold ghee helps create flaky layers, so avoid using warm or melted ghee when kneading the dough.
  2. Knead Softly:
    Over-kneading the dough can make it tough. Knead just until it comes together into a soft ball.
  3. Don’t Overcook the Syrup:
    Cook the sugar syrup only until it reaches a single-thread consistency. Overcooking will make it too thick and difficult to soak.
  4. Saffron and Cardamom:
    Adding saffron and cardamom enhances the flavor of the soan rolls, but you can skip saffron if it’s not available.
  5. Use a Pastry Brush for Layers:
    Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the dough layers with ghee and sugar, ensuring every part of the dough gets the same amount of richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I make Soan Roll without an oven?
    Yes, you can cook soan rolls on a stovetop by frying them in ghee. However, baking ensures a healthier and less greasy version.
  2. How do I store Soan Rolls?
    Store the soan rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them soggy.
  3. Can I use jaggery instead of sugar?
    Yes, you can replace sugar with jaggery for a more earthy, caramelized flavor. Adjust the consistency of the syrup accordingly.
  4. Why is my dough not flaky?
    If the dough isn’t flaky, you may not have used enough ghee between the layers. Ensure you brush ghee evenly during the layering process.
  5. Can I add dry fruits inside the rolls?
    Yes, you can add finely chopped dry fruits like cashews or almonds inside the layers for extra crunch and richness.
  6. Can I make the soan rolls vegan?
    Substitute ghee with plant-based butter and milk with almond or coconut milk to make a vegan version of soan rolls.
  7. How long do the soan rolls take to set?
    Soan rolls usually take 1-2 hours to set after glazing with sugar syrup. Ensure they are fully cooled before serving.
  8. How to make soan rolls without saffron?
    If saffron is unavailable, skip it, or use a pinch of turmeric for color. Cardamom will still provide a lovely aroma.
  9. What is the best way to serve soan rolls?
    Serve soan rolls as a snack with chai or coffee, or present them as part of a dessert platter during festivals like Diwali or Holi.

Serving Suggestions for Nagpur-Style Soan Roll

  1. Festive Treat:
    Soan rolls are perfect for festive occasions such as Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, or wedding celebrations.
  2. With Tea or Coffee:
    Pair the flaky, sweet rolls with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful mid-afternoon snack.
  3. Gift Box:
    Soan rolls make a fantastic addition to gift boxes for family and friends during the festive season.

Also Try Cooking :

  1. Orange Barfi
  2. Masala Baingan
  3. Paneer Butter Masala
  4. Kadhai Paneer

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