Authentic Gujarati Mohanthal Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

2 cups Gram flour (besan)
1 cup Ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Milk
1/4 cup Water
1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder
1/2 cup Chopped almonds and pistachios
2 tablespoons Saffron strands

Steps and instructions

Begin by sieving the gram flour to get rid of any lumps. This step is crucial to achieving a smooth texture in the final dish.
Next, add the ghee to the gram flour and mix well until all the gram flour is coated with ghee. This process is called 'moyan' and it makes the mohanthal soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
In a bowl, mix the milk and 1/4 cup of ghee together. Pour this over the gram flour and ghee mixture and mix well. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, break the lumps formed in the mixture and blend it in a blender until it becomes a coarse powder. This is the 'mohanthal mixture'.
Now, in a large pan, heat the remaining ghee. Add the mohanthal mixture to the pan and roast on low heat until the mixture turns golden brown and releases a nice aroma.
While the mixture is roasting, prepare the sugar syrup. In a pan, add the sugar and water and bring it to a boil. Cook until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency.
Add the sugar syrup and cardamom powder to the roasted mohanthal mixture and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture thickens.
Transfer the mixture to a greased tray and level it with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands on top and gently press with the spatula so they stick to the mixture.
Let the mohanthal cool completely. Once cool, cut into square or diamond shapes. Your delicious mohanthal is ready to serve!

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the gram flour, ghee, and other ingredients.
Sieve - A tool to remove lumps from the gram flour before using it.
Blender - Used to blend the roasted gram flour mixture into a coarse powder.
Pan - A large pan to roast the gram flour mixture and prepare the sugar syrup.
Tray - A greased tray to transfer and set the mohanthal mixture.
Spatula - Used to level the mohanthal mixture in the tray and press the toppings.

Recipe variations

Instead of gram flour (besan), you can try using almond flour or cashew flour for a nuttier flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use chickpea flour instead of gram flour.
Add a teaspoon of rosewater or cardamom syrup to the sugar syrup for a unique floral or aromatic twist.
Include a handful of desiccated coconut or grated coconut for added texture and flavor.
For a richer taste, substitute half of the ghee with khoya (milk solids).
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon powder to the mohanthal mixture for a hint of warmth and spice.
Replace the chopped almonds and pistachios with other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts.
For a vegan version, substitute ghee with coconut oil and milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk.
Experiment with different sweeteners like jaggery or palm sugar instead of regular sugar.
Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a slight crunch and nutty flavor.

Recipe overview

Mohanthal is a traditional Indian sweet, popular especially during festivals and celebrations. This rich and indulgent dessert, made from gram flour, ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, is a real treat for the tastebuds. The process involves creating a coarse mixture with gram flour and ghee, roasting this mixture to a golden brown, and binding it all together with a one-string sugar syrup. Finished with a sprinkle of almonds, pistachios, and saffron, this sweet offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Through this recipe, you will learn how to make perfect Mohanthal that is soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and absolutely delicious. Take time and patience with each step to truly enjoy the process of making this traditional delight.

Common questions

Can I use any other flour instead of gram flour? No, gram flour (besan) is essential for making mohanthal as it gives it a unique taste and texture.
Can I use oil instead of ghee? Ghee is traditionally used in mohanthal as it enhances the flavor and richness. Using oil will alter the taste and texture of the dish.
What is the role of "moyan" in this recipe? "Moyan" is the process of coating the gram flour with ghee. It helps in achieving a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture in the mohanthal.
What is the ideal sugar syrup consistency? The sugar syrup should reach a one-string consistency. This means that when you touch the syrup between your thumb and index finger and gently pull them apart, a thin string should form and not break immediately.
Can I skip the step of blending the mixture? Blending the mixture after the resting time is crucial to create a coarse powder consistency. Skipping this step may result in uneven texture and taste.
Can I store mohanthal? Yes, you can store mohanthal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure to keep it away from moisture and heat.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the gram flour, ghee, and milk together.
Blender - To blend the mixture into a coarse powder.
Large Pan - To roast the mohanthal mixture.
Spatula - To level the mohanthal mixture in the tray and press the toppings.
Tray - A greased tray to set and cool the mohanthal.

Origin stories

Mohanthal is a sweet treat deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Gujarat, a vibrant region in Western India known for its diverse and robust vegetarian cuisine. This rich, fudge-like delicacy shows up at every festive occasion, be it weddings, Diwali, or simply a family gathering. Its name is derived from the words 'Mohak' and 'Prasad', which means a delectable offering to the gods. According to popular folklore, it is said that Lord Krishna was particularly fond of Mohanthal, and it was often prepared to please him. The humble ingredients of this dish - gram flour, ghee, and sugar - come together to create a confection that is not only pleasing to the palate but also steeped in devotion and tradition. Each bite of this golden dessert transports you to the vibrant festivals and close-knit communities of Gujarat, making Mohanthal a sweet embodiment of Gujarati heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.