Lapsi

Lapsi Recipe from Kenya: A Delicious Dessert Made with Wheat, Jaggery, and More

Region / culture: Kenya | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lapsi is a traditional Indian sweet dish made with broken wheat, jaggery, and a variety of flavorful spices. It is a popular dessert that is often served during special occasions and festivals.

History

Lapsi has been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have originated in the state of Gujarat, where it is a popular dish served during weddings and other celebrations.

Ingredients

0.25 kg broken wheat
125 g jaggery
250 g butter
50 g desiccated coconut
2 tbsp oil
25 g sultanas
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tsp ground cardamom
0.25 tin evaporated milk
0.5 tsp nutmeg
Yellow colouring
75 g coarsely ground almonds and pistachios for decorating
Boiling water - same volume as wheat

How to prepare

Dissolve the jaggery in the boiling water and add yellow colouring. Set it aside.
Melt the butter and add oil. Add the fennel seeds and allow them to splutter.
Add the broken wheat and fry slowly over medium heat until it turns light brown and crisp.
Mix in the desiccated coconut and fry for a few minutes.
Slowly pour in the previously prepared liquid while stirring constantly.
Add all the remaining ingredients except milk and cook over low heat for a few minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add milk, mix well, and cook in the oven at 160°C for 30 minutes.

Variations

For a healthier version, you can use coconut oil instead of butter and reduce the amount of jaggery used.
You can also add dried fruits like raisins or apricots for a sweeter and more flavorful dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the broken wheat slowly over medium heat to ensure it turns light brown and crisp.

- Stir constantly while adding the liquid to prevent lumps from forming.

- Cooking the dish in the oven at a low temperature helps to ensure that the flavors are well blended and the texture is just right.

Serving Suggestions

Lapsi can be served warm or cold, garnished with coarsely ground pistachios for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Lapsi is to fry the broken wheat slowly over medium heat until it turns light brown and crisp, and to cook it in the oven at a low temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have jaggery, you can use brown sugar or honey as a substitute. You can also use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Lapsi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lapsi in individual bowls or on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of coarsely ground pistachios for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lapsi pairs well with a cup of hot chai or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and satisfying dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lapsi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lapsi contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Lapsi is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the broken wheat and jaggery providing a good source of energy.

Fats

The butter and oil used in the recipe add a rich and indulgent flavor to the dish, making it a satisfying treat.

Proteins

While Lapsi is not a significant source of protein, the dish does contain some protein from the broken wheat and milk.

Vitamins and minerals

Lapsi is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and zinc from the broken wheat and coconut.

Alergens

Lapsi contains wheat, dairy, and nuts, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Lapsi is a delicious and nutritious dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lapsi is a delightful and flavorful Indian dessert made with broken wheat, jaggery, and a variety of aromatic spices. It is a perfect dish to enjoy during special occasions and celebrations, and is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I stepped inside, the aroma of spices and sweetness filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Mary was busy stirring a pot on the stove, a smile on her face as she worked on something I had never seen before. Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she replied, "Lapsi, a traditional Indian dessert made with broken wheat, ghee, sugar, and cardamom."

I watched intently as Mary continued to cook, explaining each step of the process to me. She told me that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. As she worked, the kitchen filled with the rich, comforting aroma of ghee and spices, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this delicious dish for myself.

After a few hours of patient instruction from Mary, I finally had a steaming bowl of golden-brown lapsi in front of me. The first bite was a revelation - the sweetness of the sugar, the richness of the ghee, and the warmth of the cardamom all combined to create a truly unforgettable dessert.

From that moment on, lapsi became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for special occasions, for family gatherings, and sometimes just for myself when I needed a little comfort. Each time I cooked it, I remembered that warm summer day in Mary's kitchen and the joy of learning something new and delicious.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect my lapsi recipe, adding my own little twists and variations to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and family, who always marveled at its unique blend of flavors and textures.

One day, while visiting my own grandmother, I decided to share my lapsi recipe with her. To my surprise, she smiled and told me that she already knew how to make it. She had learned the recipe from a dear friend many years ago and had been making it ever since.

I was amazed at the connection between my grandmother and Mary, two women from different generations who had both been touched by the magic of lapsi. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that span the years.

And so, as I sit here in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of lapsi just as Mary and my grandmother did before me, I am filled with gratitude for the recipes and stories that have been passed down through the generations. Each bite of this sweet, comforting dessert is a reminder of the love and connection that binds us all together, a delicious link to the past and a promise of many more memories to come.