Decadent Homemade Malpua - A Traditional Indian Sweet Pancake Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour (Maida)
2 tablespoons semolina (Sooji)
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (Saunf)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup full-fat milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon rose water
1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
2 cups ghee or refined oil for deep frying
1/2 cup condensed milk for garnish (optional)
Sliced almonds and pistachios for garnish

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, and baking powder.
Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously to make a smooth batter. The batter should be of pouring consistency, similar to pancake batter.
Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.
While the batter is resting, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil. Simmer until the syrup becomes slightly thick.
Add the rose water and saffron strands to the sugar syrup and mix well. Set the syrup aside.
Heat the ghee or oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot enough, pour a small ladleful of batter into the oil. The batter should spread out on its own to make a small, thin pancake.
Fry the malpua until it turns golden brown on both sides. Drain the malpua on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Dip the fried malpua in the sugar syrup for a few seconds, ensuring it is well coated on all sides. Remove the malpua from the syrup and place it on a serving plate.
Repeat with the remaining batter and sugar syrup.
Garnish the malpuas with a drizzle of condensed milk and a sprinkling of sliced almonds and pistachios. Serve warm.

Tools for making

Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients and make the batter.
Saucepan - A saucepan to prepare the sugar syrup.
Frying pan - A frying pan to deep fry the malpua.
Ladle - A ladle to pour the batter into the hot oil.
Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon to remove the fried malpua from the oil.
Paper towels - Paper towels to drain excess oil from the fried malpua.
Serving plate - A plate to serve the malpua.
Drizzle bottle - A small bottle with a nozzle for drizzling condensed milk on top of the malpua.
Knife - A knife to slice the almonds and pistachios for garnish.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
Add mashed bananas or grated apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon powder to enhance the flavor.
Replace the sugar syrup with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Add a handful of chopped nuts like cashews or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
For a vegan option, substitute the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk.
Instead of deep frying, try shallow frying the malpua in a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil used.
Serve the malpua with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Experiment with different toppings such as grated coconut, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit.
Add a teaspoon of rose or kewra water to the batter for a floral aroma.

Recipe overview

Malpua is a popular Indian dessert that's often enjoyed during festive occasions. Sweet and delectable, these small, fluffy pancakes are flavored with cardamom and fennel seeds, then soaked in rose and saffron-infused sugar syrup. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that's surprisingly simple to make at home. Our recipe also includes an optional garnish of condensed milk, almonds, and pistachios for extra richness and texture. Expect an indulgent dessert that's sure to impress your guests, with a delightful blend of fragrant spices and sweet, syrupy goodness in every bite. Plus, our step-by-step instructions make preparation a breeze. Enjoy the process of making these delightful delicacies, and even more, the joy of sharing them.

Common questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of whole wheat flour. However, note that the texture and taste of the malpua may be slightly different.
Can I use any other sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can use jaggery or brown sugar as an alternative to white sugar. Keep in mind that it may alter the taste and color of the malpua.
Can I skip the saffron strands?
Yes, you can skip the saffron strands if you don't have them. However, saffron adds a delightful aroma and color to the malpua.
Can I bake the malpua instead of frying?
Traditionally, malpua is deep-fried to achieve its characteristic texture and taste. Baking may result in a different texture and flavor profile.
Can I make the batter in advance?
It is recommended to make the batter fresh and allow it to rest for 30 minutes before frying. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to a day and bring it to room temperature before cooking.
Can I store the malpua?
Malpua is best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, you can store any leftover malpua in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the batter for the malpua.
Frying Pan - A pan to fry the malpua in hot oil or ghee.
Ladle - A ladle or spoon to pour the batter into the frying pan.
Saucepan - A saucepan to prepare the sugar syrup for dipping the malpua.
Paper Towels - Paper towels to drain the fried malpua and remove excess oil.
Serving Plate - A plate to serve and present the malpua.
Condensed Milk Drizzler - A utensil with a small hole to drizzle condensed milk over the malpua for garnish (optional).
Knife - A knife to slice the almonds and pistachios for garnish.

Origin stories

Malpua, the sweet pancake that has become an indispensable part of Indian festivities, is believed to have its roots in the ancient tradition of offering sweets to deities. The Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in the history of mankind, mentions a sweet preparation called 'Apupa' that was made from barley flour and jaggery, closely resembling the modern-day Malpua. Over time, as trade flourished, ingredients like refined wheat flour, milk, and sugar found their way into the traditional recipe, refining it to its current sweetness. So, each time you savour a Malpua, remember that you are partaking in a culinary legacy that has been sweetening palates for millennia!

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.