Ragi Malpua with Rabri: Indian Millet Pancakes in Creamy Pudding Sauce

Ragi Malpua with Rabri (Indian Pancakes with Creamy Pudding)
An irresistible fusion of nutty, fluffy ragi pancakes and rich, creamy rabri, perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients

For Rabri:

Rabri – 1 recipe (see below for detailed preparation)

For Ragi Malpua (Pancakes):

1/2 cup Ragi Flour (Finger Millet or Nagli)
1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds (Saunf), pounded
1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Fresh Cream
Ghee – for pan frying
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Water
Saffron Strands – a few (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian

Rabri Preparation:

Ingredients:
- Full-fat milk – 1 liter
- Sugar – 1/2 cup
- Cardamom – 3 pods, powdered
- Saffron strands – a pinch (optional)
- Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) – for garnish
Method:
1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the full-fat milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid the milk from sticking to the bottom.
2. Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir intermittently to ensure the milk reduces evenly.
3. When the milk has reduced to about half of its original quantity, add the sugar and cardamom powder.
4. Continue to simmer the milk until it thickens further and reaches a creamy consistency, around 20-30 minutes.
5. If desired, add saffron strands towards the end of the cooking process to infuse a beautiful color and flavor.
6. Once the rabri reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat. Let it cool down slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped nuts.

Ragi Malpua Preparation:

Malpua Batter:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, whole wheat flour, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add fresh cream to the mixture and slowly mix in water (or milk) to form a thick batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
3. Cover the batter and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Sugar Syrup:
1. In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, water, and saffron strands over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency. This means when you touch the syrup, it should feel slightly sticky between your fingers.
3. Once the syrup is ready, turn off the heat and set it aside to keep warm.
Cooking the Malpuas:
1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease it generously with ghee.
2. Pour a ladle of the prepared batter onto the skillet. Allow the batter to spread naturally into a round shape.
3. Drizzle ghee around the edges of the pancake and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the top begins to set and the edges become golden brown.
4. Carefully flip the Malpua and cook the other side until golden and crisp. Repeat the process for the remaining batter.
5. Once the Malpuas are cooked, quickly dip each one into the prepared sugar syrup for just a couple of seconds, ensuring they are well-coated.
Serving:
1. Arrange the sugar-soaked Ragi Malpuas on a serving platter.
2. Spoon generous amounts of rabri (creamy pudding) over the top of each Malpua.
3. Garnish with finely chopped nuts such as pistachios, almonds, or cashews for an extra crunch and richness.
4. Serve immediately as a delectable dessert for any festive occasion or celebration, alongside traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun or jalebis.

Serving Suggestions

Ragi Malpua with Rabri makes for a perfect festive dessert, especially during Diwali, Holi, or Navratri. The delicate sweetness of the sugar-soaked pancakes pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy rabri. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its golden Malpua and saffron-infused rabri.

Nutritional Information (Approx.)

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Malpua with Rabri)
Calories	230-250 kcal
Carbohydrates	30-35 g
Protein	3-4 g
Fat	10-12 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	20-22 g
Calcium	40-50 mg
Iron	1.5 mg

This indulgent dessert balances the earthy, nutty flavors of ragi flour with the silky smoothness of rabri, creating a treat that is both satisfying and wholesome. Enjoy this recipe on special occasions or simply as a comforting dessert to brighten your day.