Holi 2026: How to make classic Malpua at home

Malpua is an integral part of Holi celebration in the North. It is a deep-fried pancake-like dish which is dunked in sugar syrup and is served with a topping of chopped nuts, and saffron. Scroll down to read the recipe.

1 cup maida, 2 tbsp sooji, ½ cup milk, 2 tbsp khoya, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 1 pinch cardamom powder, 1 pinch baking soda, 1 cup sugar, ¾ cup water, 2–3 green cardamoms, few saffron strands, 1 tsp rose water, and ghee or oil for frying

To begin with, combine sugar and water in a pan to make sugar syrup.

Bring to a boil and add cardamom, saffron, and rose water.

In a bowl, mix maida, sooji, sugar, and crumbled mawa.

Add milk, fennel, and cardamom to form a smooth, lump-free batter. Let it rest for 20 minutes.

Just before frying, add a tiny pinch of baking soda and mix gently.

Heat oil or ghee in pan and pour a small ladle of batter in the center and deep fry until golden and slightly crisp.

Once ready, soak in sugar syrup. Garnish with nuts and serve hot.

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