DessertsIndian CuisineDurban Indian

Gulgula

The traditional South African Indian Gulgula recipe! Golden, crispy on the outside, and soft, fragrant banana-spiced fritters on the inside. Step-by-step tutorial.

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By DenisiyaPublished on June 26, 2020
Gulgula
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time25 mins
⌛
Total Time40 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4
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This Indian Recipe Makes ± 15 Gulgulas

Gulgula – also known as Goolgoola or gugula is an Indian doughnut which is shaped as balls & deep fried in vegetable oil.

These doughnuts are usually made for Hindu prayers & are accompanied by Veda’s. Apart from auspicious celebrations, these are also enjoyed by many on a daily basis with a cup of tea. They are super easy to prepare & tastes absolutely delicious.

There are many variations for gulgulas, but this recipe is how my mum & her mum always made them – & I love them this way. Gulgulas do not contain any yeast, they do however consist of baking powder to allow for them to puff up in the oil. The recipe below is sufficient for 1-2 people, it can be doubled or tripled according to your preference.

This is also a great bake to gift someone & also perfect for those Eid & Diwali/Deepavali parcels.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4
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Step-by-Step Instructions

19 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Add the all purpose flour to a mixing bowl.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    To the flour, add in the baking powder. Alternatively, 1 cup of self-raising flour may be used instead of all purpose flour & baking powder.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Add in the desiccated coconut, granulated sugar & the cardamom (elachi) powder.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Mix well.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Add in the vanilla essence.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Pour in the cold milk.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Mix well until it forms a batter.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    The batter shouldn’t be too runny as this will prevent it from forming the ball shapes when frying.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    If the batter is too runny (weak) add in a little flour & if the batter is too thick, add in a little milk.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Fill a bowl with water & set aside – this will be needed to wet your hands before grabbing portions of the dough for frying.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Heat the vegetable oil in a pot for deep frying on medium heat.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Once the oil is hot enough, wet your hand in the bowl of water & scoop a portion of the mixture in your hand.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Thereafter, drop the dough into the hot oil. Some people use a clenched fist to form the balls but I watched my grandmother when I was younger & she always did a pushing motion with her thumb – taking her thumb into her palm & pushing out towards her fingers to release the dough. (Watch the video below).

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Allow the Gulgulas to fry until golden.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Once golden, use a slotted spoon or a spider utensil & remove the Gulgulas from the oil.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Place them onto paper towels to drain off the excess oil.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    They are best served whilst hot.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Gulgula’s are best eaten on the same day as they tend to harden if kept for a longer period of time.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    They are soft & fluffy on the inside.

    Step 19 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Gulgula.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Gulgula

How should I store Gulgula to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. For milk-based sweetmeats like burfee or soji, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 to 10 days.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Pure butter or ghee provides the authentic rich aroma and texture characteristic of traditional Indian sweetmeats and bakes. Margarine can be used in a pinch, but butter delivers superior flavor.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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