Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Deepawali Sweets - Mysorepak - Gram Flour Fudge

Deepawali Sweets - Mysorepak
Gram Flour Fudge


The mouth watering sweet which originated in the Maharaja’s kitchen at the Mysore Palace has become a very popular sweet by finding its way into the neighbouring states as well. They may be crunchy at some places, or soft as halwa in other places; they may be dripping with ghee in one kitchen, or bone dry at another. Whatever the texture may be, the charisma of Mysorepak never diminishes. Here is my version of Mysorepak picked up from my mother’s kitchen at Mysore.
INGREDIENTS:
Besan (Bengal gram flour)- 1 Cup
Sugar – 3 cups
Ghee – ¾ cup
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

METHOD:
1. Boil sugar with 3 cups of water, removing the scum which accumulates at the sides of the pan.
2. When the sugar syrup reaches the one string consistency (also called soft ball stage) blend in the turmeric powder.
3. Add the ghee and wait until it melts in the syrup giving out a pleasant aroma. 4. Add the besan gradually into the syrup stirring all the time.
5. Stir well so that no lumps are formed.
6. Keep stirring till the besan foams and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
7. You can see the sugar drying up leaving a coat around the wall of the pan.
8. At this stage remove from flame and pour it on a greased plate. 9. Gently shake the plate for even distribution, as the Mysorepak will not spread by itself and it will set instantaneously.
10. Mark with a sharp knife while still warm and cut the pieces after it cools.
Enjoy the Mysorepak as it melts in your mouth with its distinctive flavour.