malai ghevar,malai ghewar,malai ghevar recipe
Introduction:
Malai Ghewar is a delectable and intricate sweet delicacy
hailing from the vibrant land of Rajasthan, India. This dessert holds a special
place in Rajasthani cuisine and is often associated with festive occasions and
celebrations. The unique combination of crispy, honeycomb-like texture with
creamy malai (clotted cream) and adorned with dry fruits makes Malai Ghewar an
irresistible treat for sweet enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will delve into
the world of Malai Ghewar, explore its flavorsome aspects, and provide some
frequently asked questions with their answers to help you understand this
dessert better.
Malai Ghewar: An Introduction
1.
What is
Malai Ghewar? Malai Ghewar is a traditional Rajasthani dessert that is
popularly enjoyed during festivals like Teej, Raksha Bandhan, and Diwali. It is
made from a batter of all-purpose flour, ghee, and water, which is deep-fried
to create a lacy and porous disc-shaped structure. The fried Ghewar is then
soaked in sugar syrup, topped with creamy malai, and garnished with a generous
sprinkling of dry fruits and saffron. The result is a delightful blend of
textures and flavors, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Malai Ghewar Recipe:
Ingredients:
For Ghewar:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 cup clarified butter (ghee)
- 2 cups chilled water
- Ice cubes (for chilling water)
- Ghee or oil (for frying)
For Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
For Malai (Clotted Cream):
- 1 cup fresh malai or thickened cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A few saffron strands (for garnish)
For Garnish:
- Assorted dry fruits (almonds, pistachios, etc.)
Instructions:
For Ghewar:
1.
In a large
mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and ghee. Mix well until the flour
resembles breadcrumbs.
2.
Gradually
add chilled water while stirring continuously. The batter should be smooth and
lump-free.
3.
Add a few
ice cubes to the batter and let it rest for 15 minutes.
4.
Heat ghee
or oil in a deep frying pan. Once the ghee is hot, pour a ladleful of batter
into the pan in the center, allowing it to spread naturally into a disc shape.
5.
Fry the
Ghewar on medium heat until it turns golden and crisp. Remove it from the pan
and drain excess oil.
For Sugar Syrup:
1.
In a
separate pan, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil until the
sugar dissolves completely.
2.
Add saffron
strands and cardamom powder to the syrup for enhanced flavor.
3.
Let the
syrup simmer for a few minutes until it reaches a slightly sticky consistency.
Remove it from heat and keep it warm.
For Malai (Clotted Cream):
1.
In a bowl,
whisk fresh malai or thickened cream until it becomes smooth and creamy.
2.
Add
powdered sugar and mix well. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Assembly:
1.
Place the
fried Ghewar in the warm sugar syrup and let it soak for a few minutes.
2.
Remove the
Ghewar from the syrup and place it on a serving plate.
3.
Generously
spread the prepared malai over the Ghewar.
4.
Garnish
with saffron strands and assorted dry fruits.
5.
Serve the
delightful Malai Ghewar and relish its unique flavors.
Malai Ghewar: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Malai Ghewar difficult to make at home?
A: While
Malai Ghewar requires some skill in achieving the lacy and porous texture, it
is not overly difficult to make at home. Following the recipe carefully and
using the right techniques will help you achieve the desired results.
Q: Can I store Malai Ghewar?
A: Malai Ghewar is best
enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for long-term storage as it may lose its
crispness and texture. However, you can store any leftover malai separately in
the refrigerator for a day or two.
Q: Can I make Malai Ghewar without saffron?
A: Yes, saffron
is an optional ingredient used primarily for garnishing and adding flavor. If
you don't have saffron, you can skip it or use other garnishing options like
edible silver foil (varak) or chopped nuts.
Conclusion:
Malai Ghewar is a heavenly sweet treat that brings the essence of Rajasthan's rich culinary heritage to your palate. The delicate balance of textures and the blend of sweetness from sugar syrup and cream make it a delightful dessert for special occasions. So, whether you are celebrating a festival or just want to indulge in a memorable dessert, Malai Ghewar will surely leave you with a lingering taste and a desire for more.