Sweet Poori

Sweet Poori, also known as Malpua in some regions, is a delightful Indian dessert made from a batter of all-purpose flour and semolina (suji). These deep-fried sweet pancakes are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup and garnished with a mix of chopped nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios. Loved by both children and adults, Sweet Poori is a popular treat during festivals and special occasions. In this recipe, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious sweet pooris at home.

Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 10-12 pooris
Course: Snack
Bowl measurement: 1 bowl = 250 ml

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Prepare the Milk Reduction
• Step 2: Roast the Semolina and Prepare the Dough
• Preparation of Sugar Syrup
• Step 1: Make the Sugar Syrup
• Step 2: Achieve One-Thread Consistency
• Preparation of Pooris
• Step 1: Shape the Dough
• Step 2: Cut Perfect Circles
• Step 3: Fry the Pooris
• Step 4: Soak in Sugar Syrup
• Step 5: Prepare the Garnish
• Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ingredients

Sugar: 1 bowl (250 ml)

Maida (All-purpose flour): 1 bowl (250 ml)

Bombay Rava (Semolina/Suji): 1 bowl (250 ml)

Milk: 500 ml

Cardamom: 3 or 4 pods

Chopped cashews, soaked almonds, and pistachios: A few for garnishing

Clarified butter (Ghee): 2 tablespoons

Oil: For deep frying

Saffron: A pinch

Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Reduction

In a saucepan, boil 500 ml of whole milk over medium heat until it reduces to half its original quantity. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once reduced, turn off the flame and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Roast the Semolina and Prepare the Dough

Lightly roast the semolina (rava) in a pan until it turns light brown, enhancing its flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted semolina and all-purpose flour.

Add 2 tablespoons of clarified butter (ghee) to the mixture and mix well until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the reduced milk to the mixture to form a soft dough. Knead gently, ensuring there are no lumps and the dough is smooth and pliable.

Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb the moisture.

Preparation of Sugar Syrup

Step 1: Make the Sugar Syrup

In a pot, combine 1 bowl of sugar with 1/2 bowl of water. Boil the mixture over medium flame for about 10 minutes. Add a few strands of saffron to infuse flavor and color.

Once the sugar has completely dissolved, add the cardamom pods to the syrup for a fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Achieve One-Thread Consistency

Continue boiling the syrup until it reaches a one-thread consistency. To test this, take a drop of syrup between your thumb and forefinger and pull them apart gently; a single thread should form. Once achieved, turn off the flame and set the syrup aside.

Preparation of Pooris

Step 1: Shape the Dough

Divide the rested dough into 10-12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thick small circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Cut Perfect Circles

To get uniform shapes, use a small steel bowl or a round cutter to cut out perfect circles from the rolled dough.

Step 3: Fry the Pooris

Heat sufficient oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into it; if it rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready. Carefully slide one poori at a time into the hot oil.

Gently press down the poori with a slotted spoon to help it puff up. Fry until both sides turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Soak in Sugar Syrup

Remove the fried pooris from the oil using a slotted spoon and let the excess oil drain off. Immediately dip them into the warm sugar syrup, ensuring they are well coated. Let them soak for a few minutes to absorb the sweetness.

Step 5: Prepare the Garnish

In a small pan, heat a little ghee and lightly fry the chopped cashews, soaked almonds, and pistachios until they are slightly golden. This enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the soaked sweet pooris on a serving plate. Sprinkle the fried nuts generously over them for an appealing presentation and added crunch.

Your delicious Sweet Pooris are now ready to be served! They make an excellent snack for parties, festive celebrations, or kids' birthdays.

Enjoy these delightful Sweet Pooris with your family and friends. The combination of the soft, sweet pancakes soaked in aromatic sugar syrup and the crunchy nut garnish creates a heavenly taste that is sure to impress everyone. This traditional recipe is not only easy to make but also brings a touch of festivity to any occasion. Happy cooking!