Malpua is a delightful Indian sweet, a cross between a pancake and a fritter. Made from a batter of flour, semolina, and milk powder, it’s flavored with bananas, cardamom, and sometimes saffron. Fried until golden, these crispy yet fluffy discs are often garnished with nuts and enjoyed warm, either on their own or paired with sweetened milk or syrup, making them a popular treat during festive occasions like Holi.
Here’s a detailed recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
- 1/2 cup milk powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (adjust for batter consistency)
- Ghee or oil for frying
- Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, milk powder, sugar, mashed banana, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using).
- Gradually add milk to form a smooth batter. Ensure there are no lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
- Rest the Batter:
- Allow the batter to rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld and improves the texture.
- Frying the Malpuas:
- Heat ghee or oil in a shallow frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, pour a ladleful of batter into the pan to make a small pancake-like shape (usually around 3-4 inches in diameter).
- Fry the Malpua until it turns golden brown on both sides, flipping it gently using a spatula. Ensure the heat is on medium to prevent burning.
- Drain Excess Oil:
- Once fried, remove the Malpua from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Repeat the process for the remaining batter.
- Garnish the Malpuas with chopped nuts, if desired, while they are still warm.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the Malpuas warm. They can be enjoyed as is or with a side of rabri (sweetened thickened milk) or a drizzle of syrup for added sweetness.
- Optional Variations:
- Some variations include soaking the fried Malpuas in sugar syrup for a sweeter taste or serving them with a dollop of flavored cream or ice cream.
Enjoy these aromatic and flavorful Malpuas, perfect for celebrating special occasions or indulging in a sweet treat!
