Laapsi, also known as daliya or halwa, is a popular and traditional Indian sweet dish made from broken wheat, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and various nuts and spices.
It is particularly popular in the North Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Here’s a basic recipe for making laapsi:
Ingredients:
1 cup broken wheat (dalia or lapsi)
1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
A pinch of cardamom powder
Chopped nuts (like almonds and cashews)
Raisins
Saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
Add the broken wheat to the hot ghee and roast it on low to medium heat until it turns golden brown. This can take around 10-15 minutes, and it’s important to keep stirring to prevent burning.
In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add the boiling water to the roasted broken wheat carefully, as it may splatter. Be cautious while doing this step to avoid burns.
Stir well and cover the pan. Allow it to cook on low heat until the broken wheat absorbs all the water and becomes soft and tender. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
Add sugar and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar melts and the mixture thickens. The laapsi should take on a glossy texture.
Add a pinch of cardamom powder and mix well. You can also add saffron strands at this point for extra flavor and a touch of color.
In a separate small pan, roast the chopped nuts and raisins in a little ghee until they turn golden.
Garnish the laapsi with the roasted nuts and raisins.
Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious and sweet laapsi.
Laapsi is often served during special occasions and festivals, and it’s a delightful treat with its rich, nutty, and sweet flavor.
The exact ingredients and methods can vary from region to region and from one household to another.
