Paneer Malpua Recipe with Purti Vanaspati

Prep Time: 10 to 15 mins Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30mins Servings: 8 Introduction: Paneer Malpua is a traditional Indian dessert that holds a special place during festive fasts (vrat) like Sawan, Navratri, and Ekadashi. Made with fresh paneer, milk, and a hint of cardamom, these sweet, shallow-fried pancakes are a divine treat for those observing fasts. In this vrat-special version, we use Purti Vanaspati for frying, adding a rich aroma and perfect golden crispiness to each malpua. Ingredients: For the Malpua Batter - Fresh Paneer - 1 cup (grated or crumbled) - Samak Rice Flour (or Singhara Atta) - 2 tbsp - Milk - 1/2 cup (or as needed) - Sugar - 2 tbsp - Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tbsp - Fennel Seeds (optional) - 1/2 tsp (crushed) - Purti Vanaspati - for frying For Sugar Syrup (Optional) - Sugar - 1/ 2 cup - Water - 1/2 cup - Cardamom - 2 pods - A few saffron strands (optional) Preparation: Step 1: Prepare the Batter 1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated paneer, samak rice flour, sugar, cardamom powder, and a little milk. 2. Whisk until smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thick yet pourable. 3. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup (Optional) 1. In a pan, add sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup turns slightly sticky. 2. Add cardamom pods and saffron strands. Turn off the flame and keep it warm. Step 3: Fry the Malpuas 1. Heat Purti Vanaspati in a flat pan or tawa over medium flame. 2. Once hot, pour a ladleful of batter and gently spread into a small pancake. 3. Fry until both sides are golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan. 4. Remove and drain on tissue paper. Step 4: Soak (Optional) 1. If using syrup, soak the hot malpuas in warm sugar syrup for 1-2 minutes. 2. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serving Suggestions - Garnish with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds. - Serve with rabri or enjoy plain as a vrat dessert. - Best enjoyed fresh and warm during Sawan fasting days. Why Use Purti Vanaspati? Purti Vanaspati adds a rich traditional taste and aroma to your sweets. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for frying desserts like Malpua, giving them a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and melt-in-the-mouth. Made with premium ingredients, Purti Vanaspati is perfect for all your festive cooking needs - especially when purity matters during vrat.