### Malpua Recipe ~ Indian Sweet Dishes (Holi Recipes)
Malpua is a tempting Indian dessert that captures the joyful essence of Holi. This pancake, soaked in sugar syrup, is created from a basic mixture of flour, milk, and cardamom, yielding a delicacy that is crispy at the edges and tender in the middle. Traditionally cooked in ghee, Malpua is often topped with pistachios and served warm, typically paired with Rabri, a thick, luxurious milk preparation.
#### Regional Variations
The method of preparing Malpua differs across various parts of India. In Orissa, it is presented as prasad to Lord Jagannath, whereas in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, it is a favored sweet during celebrations such as Sankranti and Holi. A distinct variation features the incorporation of grated coconut and ripe bananas into the batter, resulting in a fluffy and soft pancake.
#### Mawa Malpua
As Holi nears, the Mawa Malpua recipe becomes particularly notable. This rich version includes mawa (unsweetened khoya) in the batter, enhancing its flavor and consistency. The pancakes are subsequently immersed in a sugar syrup infused with saffron, adding to their luxurious nature. Mawa Malpua is ideally served with Rabri, creating a divine dessert experience.
#### Ingredients
– **For the Malpua:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup mawa (khoya)
– 1/4 cup sugar (for the batter)
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Ghee (for frying)
– Grated coconut (optional)
– Ripe bananas (optional)
– **For the Sugar Syrup:**
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– A few strands of saffron (optional)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Batter:**
– In a mixing bowl, blend all-purpose flour, milk, mawa, sugar, and cardamom powder together. Whisk well to achieve a smooth batter. Optionally, incorporate grated coconut and mashed ripe bananas for enhanced flavor and consistency.
2. **Make the Sugar Syrup:**
– In a saucepan, mix sugar and water. Heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. If using, add saffron strands and set aside.
3. **Fry the Malpua:**
– Heat ghee in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour a ladle of batter into the hot ghee, forming a round pancake. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
4. **Soak in Sugar Syrup:**
– Quickly dip the fried Malpua into the warm sugar syrup for several seconds, allowing it to absorb the sweetness.
5. **Serve:**
– Present warm, adorned with chopped pistachios, and alongside a generous portion of Rabri.
#### Conclusion
Malpua, particularly the Mawa variation, is an essential treat during Holi festivities. Its rich tastes and delightful textures make it an excellent addition to any festive array, alongside other traditional sweets like Gujiya and refreshing Thandai. Savor this sweet delight with loved ones and embrace the jubilant spirit of the celebration.