Mysore Pak is a traditional South Indian sweet made from besan (gram flour), ghee, and sugar. It's known for its unique texture and rich flavor. A step-by-step guide on how to make Mysore Pak:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of besan (gram flour)
- 1 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- A few strands of saffron (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare a Greased Plate:
- Grease a plate or tray with a little ghee and set it aside. This is where you will spread the Mysore Pak.
2. Make Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine sugar and water. Heat it over medium heat to make a sugar syrup. Stir occasionally.
3. Test Syrup Consistency:
- Continue to cook the sugar syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency. To test this, take a small amount of syrup between your thumb and forefinger and pull them apart. If it forms a single thread, it's ready. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer, and it should read around 220°C (430°F).
4. Add Besan:
- Meanwhile, in another heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee over low heat. Add besan to the ghee and roast it, stirring continuously. The besan should change color to a light golden brown and become aromatic.
5. Combine Ghee and Besan:
- Once the besan is roasted, carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the besan and ghee mixture. Be cautious, as it might splutter.
6. Stir Continuously:
- Stir the mixture vigorously to combine the besan, ghee, and sugar syrup. Continue to cook over low heat.
7. Add Cardamom and Saffron:
- Add a pinch of cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
8. Transfer to the Plate:
- Once the mixture reaches a thick, fudge-like consistency and leaves the sides of the pan, immediately pour it onto the greased plate.
9. Shape and Cool:
- While it's still hot, flatten and shape the Mysore Pak with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
10. Cut into Pieces:
- While it's still warm, use a sharp knife to cut the Mysore Pak into diamond or square-shaped pieces.
11. Allow to Cool:
- Let the Mysore Pak cool completely before removing the pieces from the plate.
12. Serve:
- Once it has cooled and set, you can serve and enjoy this delicious South Indian sweet.
Mysore Pak is a rich and melt-in-your-mouth sweet, perfect for festivals and special occasions. Be sure to store it in an airtight container once it cools completely to maintain its freshness.