Malida Recipe (Healthy Whole Wheat Afghan Sweet)
Malida is a delightful Afghan sweet, traditionally made from leftover roti (flatbread). This recipe is a wholesome and healthy treat, perfect for a snack, or as an energy booster for those long, tiring workdays. The combination of roti, jaggery, almonds, dates, and cardamom powder gives this dish a unique flavor, packed with nutrients, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe, ideal for tea time or even as a lunchbox snack for kids.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Leftover roti | 8 pieces |
| Jaggery (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Almonds (Badam) | 1/2 whole |
| Dates (pitted, finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 mins |
| Cooking Time | 20 mins |
| Total Time | 40 mins |
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
1. Preparing the Roti Powder:
- Begin by tearing the leftover roti into bite-sized pieces.
- Use a food processor to grind the roti into a coarse texture. You should get approximately 3 cups of roti powder. Set it aside.
2. Preparing the Dry Fruits Mixture:
- Next, take the almonds and grind them into a coarse powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered almonds, finely chopped dates, cardamom powder, and jaggery. Stir the mixture well to ensure it’s evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Roasting the Roti Powder:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on low heat and melt the ghee in it.
- Add the coarse roti powder to the pan and stir well to ensure it’s evenly roasted.
- Roast the roti powder for about 5-7 minutes until it’s warm and slightly crisp. The low heat helps bind the other ingredients together, making the malida firm when shaped into balls.
4. Combining the Mixtures:
- Once the roti powder is roasted, add it to the bowl with the almond, date, cardamom, and jaggery mixture.
- Using your hands, mix everything together until the mixture feels slightly wet. This will help the ingredients bind together.
5. Shaping the Malida:
- Once the mixture holds together, begin rolling it into small bite-sized balls.
- The mixture will be a little sticky, but the jaggery will firm up as it cools, helping the balls hold their shape.
6. Serving:
- Your Malida is now ready to serve. Enjoy it as a nutritious tea-time snack, or pack it in your kids’ lunchboxes as a wholesome treat. It’s an excellent option for an energy-boosting snack during work hours or as a sweet bite after a long day.
Tips for the Perfect Malida:
- Leftover Roti: You can use any type of leftover roti, but whole wheat roti adds an extra nutritional boost.
- Jaggery: Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your sweetness preference. If you prefer a less sweet malida, reduce the amount of jaggery.
- Ghee: Use clarified butter (ghee) for an authentic flavor, but coconut oil or unsalted butter can also be used as a substitute if desired.
- Storage: Malida can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep it in a cool place to maintain its texture.
- Variation: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like cashews or walnuts and add a bit of dried coconut for a twist in flavor.
This Afghan sweet is not only delicious but also full of health benefits. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a perfect option to include in your regular diet for a healthy, energy-boosting snack.
