Gosh Feel

Gosh Feel Recipe - Delicious Afghan Dish with Eggs, Cardamom, and Pistachios

Region / culture: Afghanistan | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Gosh Feel is a delicious and traditional Afghan pastry that is popular for special occasions and celebrations. These elephant ear-shaped pastries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a hint of cardamom flavor. They are perfect for serving as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.

History

Gosh Feel, which translates to "elephant ear" in English, is a popular pastry in Afghanistan. It is often made for holidays, weddings, and other special occasions. The unique shape of the pastry is said to resemble an elephant's ear, hence the name. The pastry is deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture and then dusted with icing sugar and chopped pistachios for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

2 eggs
2 tbsp of caster sugar
0.25 tbsp of salt
0.5 cup of milk
4 tbsp of oil
2.5 cups of plain flour
0.25 cup of plain flour for kneading
0.5 tbsp of ground cardamom
oil for deep-frying

To Finish

1 cup of icing (confectioners') sugar
0.5 tbsp of ground cardamom (optional)
0.5 cup of finely chopped pistachios (Note: pistachio nuts should be blanched. Optionally, the same amount of finely chopped walnuts may be used instead of pistachios)

How to prepare

Beat the eggs until frothy, then beat in the sugar and salt.
Stir in the milk and oil.
Sift the flour and add half of it to the egg mixture, blending it in with a wooden spoon.
Gradually stir in the remaining flour, reserving about 0.5 cup.
Turn the dough onto a floured board and dust it with some of the reserved flour.
Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and glossy, using more flour as needed.
The dough will still be slightly sticky.
Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2 hours.
Take a piece of dough about the size of a large hazelnut and roll it out on a floured board to a circle about 8 – 10 cm (3 – 4 inches) in diameter.
Gather up the dough on one side and pinch it, forming a shape resembling an elephant ear.
Place it on a cloth and cover it.
Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
Deep fry each pastry one at a time in oil heated to 190°C (375°F), turning them to cook evenly.
Fry them until they turn golden, but be careful not to over-brown them.
Since the dough is rather elastic, the pastry tends to contract with handling. Just before dropping the pastry into the hot oil, lightly pull it out with your fingers to enlarge it.
Drain the pastries on paper towels.
Sift icing sugar with cardamom, if desired, and dust the pastries with the mixture.
Sprinkle them with nuts and serve them warm or cold.
Store the pastries in a sealed container.
Alternative topping: Make a syrup with 1 cup of sugar and 0.5 cup of water.
Bring the syrup to a boil once the sugar is dissolved, and boil it for 5 minutes.
Dribble the syrup onto the warm pastries and sprinkle them with cardamom and nuts.

Variations

You can add a touch of rose water or orange blossom water to the dough for a floral flavor.
Instead of pistachios, you can top the pastries with chopped almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rest for 2 hours to allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.

- When deep-frying the pastries, make sure the oil is heated to 190°C (375°F) to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- To prevent the pastries from becoming too oily, drain them on paper towels after frying.

- For a sweeter touch, you can drizzle the pastries with a sugar syrup before dusting them with icing sugar and nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Gosh Feel is best served warm or cold with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the key cooking technique for making Gosh Feel to achieve a crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground cardamom, you can substitute it with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Gosh Feel ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying the pastries.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Gosh Feel pastries on a platter and sprinkle them with a generous amount of icing sugar and chopped pistachios for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Gosh Feel pairs well with a hot cup of black tea or Turkish coffee for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Gosh Feel pastries in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Gosh Feel contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Gosh Feel is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Gosh Feel contains eggs, milk, and wheat flour, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Gosh Feel is a delicious pastry that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a tasty treat to enjoy in moderation.

Summary

Gosh Feel is a delightful Afghan pastry that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. With its crispy texture, hint of cardamom flavor, and sweet topping of icing sugar and pistachios, these elephant ear-shaped pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them warm or cold with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was given to me by an old friend who had traveled to India and learned how to make this traditional dish called Gosh Feel. I had never heard of it before, but as soon as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to try it out.

My friend had raved about the flavors and aromas that filled her kitchen as she cooked Gosh Feel, and I was eager to experience it for myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - lamb, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that included cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon.

As I began to prepare the dish, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. Each one had its own story, its own unique twist that made it special. And I hoped that Gosh Feel would be no different.

I started by browning the lamb in a hot skillet, letting the meat sizzle and release its rich, savory aroma. Then, I added in the onions, garlic, and ginger, watching as they softened and caramelized, filling the air with their fragrant scent.

Next came the tomatoes, their vibrant red color brightening up the dish. I sprinkled in the spices, allowing them to mingle and meld together, creating a complex and flavorful base for the stew.

As the Gosh Feel simmered on the stove, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The tender lamb, the spicy kick of the ginger and garlic, the warm notes of cumin and cinnamon - it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue.

When it was finally time to serve the dish, I couldn't wait to dig in. I scooped a generous portion onto my plate, garnishing it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. And as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart.

Over the years, I have made Gosh Feel countless times, each batch slightly different from the last. Sometimes I add extra garlic for a bolder flavor, other times I throw in some diced potatoes for a heartier meal. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of Gosh Feel remains the same - a comforting, aromatic stew that warms the soul and satisfies the senses.

And as I sit here, penning down this story for my grandchildren to read, I hope that they too will be inspired to explore the world of cooking, to seek out new recipes and flavors that will fill their homes with joy and love. For in the kitchen, as in life, there is always something new to discover, something new to savor. And Gosh Feel is just the beginning of a culinary journey that will never end.