Lapsi Recipe – Sweetened Gujarati Broken Wheat
Lapsi is a traditional Gujarati dessert made from broken wheat (also known as dalia or godumai rava), sweetened with jaggery and flavored with cardamom. This dish is often prepared during special occasions such as housewarmings, celebrations of a new job, the birth of a child, or other significant milestones, symbolizing prayers for prosperity and happiness in the new phase of life. Rich in fiber from the broken wheat and packed with essential nutrients from jaggery, Lapsi is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for both festive gatherings and family meals.
While the basic version of Lapsi is made simply with broken wheat, jaggery, and cardamom, you can elevate its flavor by adding dried fruits like raisins and grapes, as well as nuts such as cashews. These additions lend a richer texture and a more indulgent flavor to the dish, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broken Wheat (Dalia/ Godumai Rava) | 1 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sultana Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Cashew Nuts, broken | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Jaggery Mixture: Begin by dissolving the jaggery in 2 cups of hot water. Stir until the jaggery is fully dissolved. Once dissolved, strain the mixture to remove any impurities and set the liquid aside for later use.
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Roast the Cashew Nuts: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the cashew nuts and sauté them until they turn a light golden brown. Once roasted, turn off the heat and set the cashews aside.
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Roast the Broken Wheat: In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the broken wheat and roast it, stirring continuously, until it gives off a lovely, roasted aroma and turns golden orange in color. This step is essential for bringing out the full flavor of the wheat.
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Combine the Jaggery and Wheat: Pour the prepared jaggery mixture into the roasted broken wheat. Stir well to ensure the jaggery dissolves completely and coats the wheat evenly. Add the cardamom powder at this stage, stirring it in for a hint of aromatic flavor.
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Simmer the Lapsi: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the wheat from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The wheat should absorb the jaggery mixture and become tender, but the individual grains should remain separate—not mushy.
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Final Touches: Once the wheat has cooked and the grains are tender, remove the pan from heat and let the Lapsi rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Add Nuts and Raisins: Stir in the roasted cashew nuts and sultana raisins. Mix well to ensure the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
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Serve: Serve the warm Lapsi as a delightful dessert or a sweet dish for any special occasion. Its rich, comforting taste is perfect for celebrating new beginnings with family and friends.
Tips and Variations:
- Nuts and Fruits: While the traditional recipe is simple, you can add more variety to Lapsi by including other dried fruits like chopped dried mango or figs, as well as other nuts like almonds or pistachios.
- Flavor Enhancements: A splash of rose water or saffron can be added to the recipe for an extra layer of fragrance and flavor.
- Vegan Variation: To make Lapsi vegan, substitute ghee with coconut oil or any other plant-based fat of your choice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approx. 220-250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 14g (from jaggery and raisins)
Why You’ll Love Lapsi:
- Tradition Meets Taste: With its deep roots in Gujarati cuisine, Lapsi is a dish that connects generations, bringing people together to celebrate important moments.
- Naturally Sweetened: Using jaggery instead of refined sugar adds a natural sweetness to the dish, making it not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to many sugary desserts.
- Rich in Nutrients: The combination of broken wheat, jaggery, and ghee provides a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply indulging in a comforting dessert, Lapsi is the perfect sweet treat that beautifully captures the essence of Gujarati culture and culinary tradition.
