MALPUA

(Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Pancakes)

Recipe Overview

Malpua is a traditional Bhatia sweet pancake, delicately balancing sweetness with a

subtle hint of spice from peppercorns. Shallow-fried in ghee until golden, it is crisp

at the edges and soft within—an indulgent treat often enjoyed during special occasions.

Recipe Details

– Cuisine: Sindhi–Bhatia

– Course: Dessert / Sweet

– Diet: Vegetarian

– Servings: 4–5 malpuas

– Preparation Time: 10 minutes

– Cooking Time: 20 minutes

– Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Batter

– Whole wheat flour – 1 cup

– Sugar – ½ cup

– Ghee – 2 tbsp

– Peppercorns (coarsely ground) – 2–3 nos.

– Poppy seeds – ½ tsp (optional)

– Water – as required (to make batter)

For Cooking

– Ghee – 4 tbsp (for shallow frying)

For Garnish

– Powdered sugar – 4 tbsp

– Almonds – 2–3 nos. (chopped)

– Pistachios – 2–3 nos. (chopped)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

– In a bowl (toap), combine whole wheat flour and water to form a thick, smooth batter.

– Add sugar, ghee, coarsely ground peppercorns, and poppy seeds (if using).

– Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Malpua

– Heat a tawa on medium flame.

– Pour a ladleful (kevai) of batter and spread gently into a disc approximately

5 inches in diameter.

– Add ghee around the edges.

– Shallow-fry on both sides until golden brown and crisp at the edges.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

– Remove from the tawa and immediately sprinkle powdered sugar evenly.

– Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios.

– Serve hot.

Chef’s Tip

Do not spread the batter too thin—slightly thicker malpuas yield a better balance

of crisp edges and a soft centre.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Malpua:

– Plain as a dessert

– With roasted pappad for a traditional Bhatia pairing

Variations

– Mewa Malpua : Garnish generously with chopped almonds, pistachios, cashews,

and raisins for a richer festive version.

– Saffron Malpua : Add a few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk to the batter for

enhanced aroma and colour.

– Jaggery Malpua : Replace sugar with grated jaggery to create a deeper,

more rustic sweetness.

– Cardamom Malpua : Add a pinch of cardamom powder to the batter for a fragrant variation

that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Best enjoyed fresh and hot

– Batter can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for a few hours

Nutritional Insight 

– Energy-rich due to ghee and sugar

– Whole wheat adds fibre

– Best enjoyed in moderation

Did You Know?

The addition of peppercorns in Malpua reflects a traditional Bhatia culinary trait—

balancing sweet dishes with subtle spice for depth of flavour.