Thought for Today
Mysore Pak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- A handful of cashew nuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a shallow tray or plate with ghee and set it aside. This will be used to set the Mysore Pak.
- Sieve Chickpea Flour:
- Sieve the chickpea flour to ensure there are no lumps. Set it aside.
- Prepare Sugar Syrup:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Let the sugar syrup come to a boil. Keep stirring until it reaches a one-string consistency. To test this, take a small amount of syrup between your thumb and index finger. When you pull them apart, a single thread should form.
- Prepare Ghee Mixture:
- In another pan, heat ghee over low heat until it melts completely. Keep it warm.
- Mix Chickpea Flour:
- Once the sugar syrup reaches the desired consistency, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the sieved chickpea flour to the sugar syrup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add Ghee:
- Slowly pour the warm ghee into the chickpea flour mixture, stirring continuously. Ensure that the ghee is well incorporated into the mixture.
- Cook Mixture:
- Keep stirring the mixture continuously over low heat. The mixture will thicken gradually as it cooks.
- Add Cardamom Powder and Nuts:
- Once the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, add a pinch of cardamom powder for flavor.
- Optionally, add chopped cashew nuts for added texture and taste.
- Transfer to Tray:
- Once the mixture reaches a thick consistency and starts to leave the sides of the pan, pour it into the greased tray or plate. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Set and Cut:
- Allow the Mysore Pak to cool down for a few minutes. While it's still warm, cut it into desired shapes using a sharp knife.
- Let it cool completely before removing the pieces from the tray.
- Serve:
- Once cooled and set, serve the delicious Mysore Pak as a sweet treat or dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.