The festival of Raksha Bandhan fills the relationship between brothers and sisters with sweetness and joy. If you wish to avoid store-bought, artificial sweets and prepare something traditional, pure, and quick at home, then grainy Rajasthani lapsi, made from one cup of wheat groats, is an excellent choice.
In Rajasthan, preparing lapsi is considered very auspicious for any good deed or celebration. The aroma of roasted groats in ghee, the natural sweetness of Pakistani sugar, and the flavor of cardamom and saffron make it very succulent. In a multi-cooker, it is ready in just 15 minutes. Next, we will tell you about the necessary ingredients and the simplest way to prepare it.
Ingredients
For preparation, you will need:
- Wheat groats (large lapsi): 1 cup
- Pakistani sugar (grated) or sugar: 1 cup (to taste)
- Ghee (clarified butter): 1/2 cup
- Water: 3 cups (hot water)
- Green cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Saffron strands: 8–10 (soaked in 1 teaspoon of hot water)
- Almonds, cashews, and pistachios (chopped): 2 tablespoons
- Dried apricots (Kuraqa): 1 tablespoon
Preparation Method
In the multi-cooker, heat 1/2 cup of ghee. Add 1 cup of wheat groats and fry over low or medium heat, stirring constantly. Fry for 5–7 minutes until the groats turn light pink and golden, and a very pleasant aroma appears. Then add the chopped cashews, almonds, and dried apricots and stir for another minute so that the nuts lightly brown in the oil.
Now pour in 3 cups of boiling hot water and add the soaked saffron. (Using cold water will cause the groats to clump and not become grainy).
Close the multi-cooker lid and cook on medium heat until two whistles are heard. After this, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. When the pressure drops, open the lid. The groats should be well cooked. Now add 1 cup of grated Pakistani sugar and cardamom powder. (Pakistani sugar should only be added after the groats are fully cooked, otherwise, the groats will remain raw).
Turn on the heat and simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, so that the Pakistani sugar completely dissolves into the groats and gives them a succulent consistency. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ghee and finely chopped pistachios on top. The finished hot, grainy, and succulent Rajasthani lapsi is ready! Serve it to the gods in honor of Raksha Bandhan and treat your brother with it.