Divine Mohan Thaal: A Traditional Indian Sweet Recipe for Janmashtami
45 minutes
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About Divine Mohan Thaal: A Traditional Indian Sweet Recipe for Janmashtami
Indulge in the divine sweetness of Mohan Thaal, a classic Indian dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. A cherished offering to Lord Krishna, especially during Janmashtami, this treat is a true taste of India's rich culinary heritage.Originating from Gujarat, Mohan Thaal is crafted with the richness of gram flour (besan), fragrant ghee, and a blend of aromatic spices. Our simple recipe guides you through each step, making it easy to create this festive delight.Perfect for celebrations or a sweet escape any day, Mohan Thaal promises an unforgettable flavor experience. Prepare to be transported to the heart of India with every delectable morsel.
Recipe Time & More
Prep25 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Gram Flour besan
- 1 cup Milk Powder or khoya
- 1 cup Sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Water
- 4 tbsp Milk lukewarm
- 1/2 cup Clarified Butter
Spices and Garnishes
- 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
- 3 Peppercorns crushed
Dry Fruits and Nuts
- 1 1/2 tbsp Charoli Nuts
- 1 1/2 tbsp Melon Seeds
- 2 tbsp Almonds chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift the gram flour. This ensures a light and airy texture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of melted ghee to the gram flour. Rub the ghee into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles a coarse powder.
- Gradually add the lukewarm milk to the gram flour mixture. Knead until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes. This allows the gram flour to hydrate and soften.
- While the dough rests, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the syrup reaches a two-thread consistency. To test this, drop a small amount of syrup into a bowl of cold water; it should form two thin threads.
- Grate the rested dough using a grater. This creates a unique texture for the thaal.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, melt the remaining ghee. Add the grated gram flour dough and sauté over medium heat.
- Sauté the gram flour until fragrant. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the milk powder (or khoya) to the pan. Mix well, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Pour in the prepared sugar syrup. Add half of the chopped almonds, charoli nuts, and melon seeds, along with the cardamom powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- Grease a plate or tray. Pour the Mohan Thaal mixture onto the greased surface and spread it evenly.
- Garnish with the remaining chopped almonds, charoli nuts, melon seeds, and crushed peppercorns.
- Let the Mohan Thaal cool completely, which will take about 3-4 hours. Once cooled, cut into desired shapes. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- You can use khoa (dried evaporated milk solids) instead of milk powder in this recipe.
- For a richer and more traditional flavor, lightly roast a few tablespoons of semolina (sooji) with the gram flour before mixing in the ghee. This adds a subtle graininess and enhances the crunch.
- If you prefer a softer, melt-in-the-mouth texture, sift the gram flour thoroughly to remove any lumps before roasting. Roast patiently to achieve an even golden hue without burning.
- For a festive touch, press a mixture of finely chopped pistachios, almonds, and edible rose petals onto the surface of the Mohan Thaal immediately after spreading it in the tray, before it sets.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality ghee for the best flavor and aroma. The ghee is a key component of this dessert, so don't skimp on quality.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Start with the recommended amount of sugar and add more or less to taste.
- To ensure even cooking, use a heavy-bottomed pan to roast the gram flour and semolina. This prevents burning and promotes a consistent golden color.
Storage Instructions
- Store Mohan Thaal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is humid, refrigerate it to retain its texture and flavor. Bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 10gFat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 13.8gFiber: 3gSugar: 30g
7 Comments
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Such a delicious dish! Thank you.
Looks so appetizing! Thank you for posting.
WOW….I love Mohanthal but previous attempts with lengthy procedures have failed miserably.
Urs is truly easy and worth a try.
Thnx for sharing.
just love it!
Just wow…
This looks divine! Can’t wait to make it.
Such a great recipe! Can’t wait to try it.