### Malpua Recipe ~ Indian Sweet Dishes (Holi Recipes)
Malpua is a scrumptious Indian sweet that captures the joyful essence of Holi. This classic dessert is essentially a pancake soaked in sugar syrup, crafted from a mixture of flour, milk, and cardamom. The pancakes are fried in ghee until they develop a crisp edge, then immersed in sugar syrup and adorned with pistachios. They are typically enjoyed warm, topped with Rabri, a rich and creamy milk preparation.
#### Regional Variations
Malpua has numerous regional interpretations throughout India. In Orissa, it is presented as prasad to Lord Jagannath, while in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, it is a favored delicacy during celebrations like Sankranti and Holi. A prevalent variation includes incorporating grated coconut and ripe bananas into the batter, yielding a soft and fluffy pancake.
#### Mawa Malpua
As Holi nears, the Mawa Malpua recipe serves as an ideal selection for marking the festivities. This opulent version integrates mawa, or unsweetened khoya, into the batter. The pancakes are subsequently steeped in a sugar syrup infused with saffron and served alongside Rabri. This pairing results in an exquisite dessert that is bound to impress loved ones.
#### Ingredients
– **For the Malpua:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup mawa (khoya)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Ghee for frying
– **For the Sugar Syrup:**
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– A pinch of saffron (optional)
– **For Garnish:**
– Chopped pistachios
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Batter:**
– In a mixing bowl, blend all-purpose flour, milk, mawa, sugar, and cardamom powder. Combine thoroughly to create a smooth batter. Allow it to rest for around 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Sugar Syrup:**
– In a saucepan, mix sugar and water. Heat until the sugar completely dissolves. If using saffron, incorporate it into the syrup and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. **Fry the Malpua:**
– Heat ghee in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of the batter into the hot ghee, shaping it into a round form. Fry until both sides are golden brown. Remove and drain excess ghee.
4. **Soak in Sugar Syrup:**
– Immediately dip the fried Malpua in the warm sugar syrup for a few seconds, allowing them to absorb the sweetness.
5. **Serve:**
– Top with chopped pistachios and serve warm with a generous helping of Rabri.
#### Conclusion
Mawa Malpua is a rich dessert that brings sweetness to the joyous celebrations of Holi. Its luscious flavors and delightful texture make it a cherished favorite among many. Pair this with other traditional desserts like Gujiya and refreshing Thandai for a complete festive experience. Relish the festivities with this delicious treat!