Dear Lykkers. Laapsi, also known as Lapsi, is a simple yet delicious Indian dessert made with broken wheat (dalia), ghee, and jaggery or sugar.

It holds a special place in Indian cuisine, especially in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, where it's often prepared during festivals, spiritual events, or special family gatherings.

To prepare Laapsi, you'll need

1 cup broken wheat (dalia)

2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

3/4 to 1 cup jaggery or sugar (adjust based on preference)

2 1/2 cups water

A few cardamom pods (crushed)

Nuts like almonds, cashews, and raisins for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

Roast the Broken Wheat:

In a deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add the broken wheat and roast on low heat until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Roasting the wheat well is essential as it adds depth of flavor to the Laapsi.

Prepare the Jaggery Syrup:

Dissolve the jaggery in water in a separate pan and bring it to a gentle boil. If you're using sugar, you can add it directly to the roasted wheat later in the cooking process.

Cook the Laapsi:

Once the wheat is roasted, stir and pour the jaggery water into the pan. Add the crushed cardamom pods for fragrance. Cover and cook on a low flame until the wheat softens and absorbs the liquid, achieving a pudding-like consistency.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins. Serve warm, enjoying jaggery's rich, caramelized sweetness paired with the creamy texture of cooked wheat.

Tips to Perfect Your Laapsi

Choosing the Sweetener: While jaggery is traditional, you can substitute it with sugar for a lighter flavor. Brown sugar can also be used for a caramel-like taste.

Ghee Quality Matters: Use pure, high-quality ghee for a richer flavor that enhances the roasted notes in the wheat.

Customize with Nuts and Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or cloves if you enjoy a bit more spice. Customize the nuts based on preference for added crunch.

Laapsi is more than just a dessert; its thick texture and comforting flavors evoke feelings of coziness and nostalgia. Laapsi is a quick, filling, healthy, and delectable solution whether you're celebrating a festival or are yearning for some classic Indian sweets. Try this recipe to experience a little bit of India's culinary culture!