Malpua is a delectable Indian dessert that has a special place in the country’s rich culinary traditions. The Malpua recipe is prevalent across various regions during special occasions and festivals. Malpua is a type of deep-fried pancake or fritter. It is then soaked in sugar syrup to impart a delightful sweetness. It is often flavored with garnishments, making it a truly indulgent experience.
The History of Malpua!
We can trace the history of Malpua back to ancient India. It’s rooted deep in the country’s diverse cultural and religious practices. Malpua has been an integral part of traditional Indian cuisine for centuries; however, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact origin.
Over the years, Malpua has evolved with modern variations. Contemporary chefs and home cooks experiment with different ingredients and presentations. They add their creative twists while staying true to the essence of this beloved dessert.
Malpua Recipe: The Ingredients!
The ingredients for Malpua batter are:
- 1 cup maida (all-purpose flour)
- 2 tbsp. sooji (semolina)
- 1/2 cup khoya (reduced milk solids)
- 1/2 cup full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup milk powder
- 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 3 – 4 saffron strands (optional)
- Pure cow ghee (clarified butter – for frying)
- Finely chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts)
The ingredients for sugar syrup are:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 – 4 saffron strands
- 1/2 tsp. cardamom powder
Malpua Recipe: The Complete Process of Making!
Once you have all the ingredients ready on your kitchen top, you can start with the cooking process. Let’s dive deep into the Malpua recipe instructions stepwise.
Preparing the Sugar Syrup…
- Take a saucepan and mix water and sugar in it.
- Boil the mixture until the sugar dissolves; ensure you are stirring it continuously.
- For enhanced flavors, include the saffron strands and cardamom powder in the sugar syrup.
- You require a one-string sugar syrup consistency; simmer the mixture for 5 – 7 minutes.
- Once you get the 1-string consistency, carefully remove it from the stove and set it aside to cool down.
How do you check 1-string consistency? The sugar syrup should be able to form a single thread when you take a drop of syrup and press it between your index finger and thumb. Be cautious when making sugar syrup; you may get severely burnt if not handled carefully.
Preparing the Batter for Malpua…
- Take a mixing bowl and a sieve.
- Combine maida, sooji, milk powder, khoya, cardamom powder, and baking soda in the mixture bowl. Sieve the mixture to break up clumps and remove inappropriate air.
- Gradually add milk to the mixture to make a smooth batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
- If you wish to use saffron, you can dissolve a few strands in warm milk and add them to the batter.
- Keep the well-mixed batter aside and rest for 15 – 20 minutes.
Tip: Saffron strands give the batter a nice golden color and enhance its flavor.
Frying the Malpua…
- Take a flat, thick-bottom pan suitable for deep-frying.
- Add ghee to the deep-frying pan and put the heat on medium flame.
- Reduce the flame to low-medium once the ghee is hot.
- Use a ladle to pour the batter into the hot ghee; one ladleful of batter is suitable for forming one Malpua. The batter spreads itself, forming a round shape in the hot ghee.
- Fry the Malpua until its edges become crisp and golden brown. Flip it to cook the other side.
- Remove the Malpua once both sides are golden brown.
Tip: For best results, always drain the excess ghee of Malpua. Remove the Malpua on a sieving tray on a plate covered with a paper towel.
Soaking Malpua in Sugar Syrup…
- Once you’ve drained the excess ghee, transfer the Malpua into the sugar syrup immediately.
- Allow it to soak for 1-2 minutes, ensuring that both sides are well coated with the sugar syrup.
- It’s ready to serve once you remove the Malpua from the syrup.
How to Serve Malpua?
- Garnish the Malpua with finely chopped nuts.
- Use a white square plate to serve this golden-brown sweet delicacy.
- It’s best to serve Malpua warm.
Tip: To offer an extra indulgent and royal treat, pair this warm Malpua recipe with chilled Rabri or Basoondi when serving it.
Concluding Malpua Recipe: The Sweet Bliss!
Crafting Malpua is a delightful journey into the heart of Indian desserts. This rich and flavorful sweet dish captivates taste buds with every bite. It is a perfect blend of tradition and indulgence. The Malpua recipe invites you to savor the essence of festive celebrations and the sweet symphony of aromatic spices. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece soaked in saffron-infused sugar syrup as it transcends time and tradition.