Stuffy Siddu Recipe

Siddu is a popular dish from the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. It is a steamed bread made with a filling of spiced dough.

Here's a recipe for Siddu:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- Warm water, as needed

For the filling:

- 1 cup finely chopped onions

- 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)

- 2 green chilies, finely chopped

- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

For the tempering:

- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead to form a soft dough. If needed, add more warm water gradually to achieve a smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

3. In the meantime, prepare the filling. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add grated ginger and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute.

4. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent. Then, add garam masala and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool down.

5. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a circle.

6. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges of the dough towards the center to cover the filling completely. Pinch and seal the edges well.

7. Place the filled dough portions in a steamer or an idli maker and steam for about 20-25 minutes or until the Siddu is cooked and firm.

8. In a small pan, heat ghee for tempering. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Let the seeds splutter.

9. Remove the steamed Siddu from the steamer and brush them with the tempered ghee.

10. Serve the Siddu hot with a side of tomato chutney or mint chutney.

Enjoy your homemade Siddu, a delicious and traditional Himachali dish!