Lapsi, Indian Sweet-Erakina

Introduction:

The name of the sweet Laapti or Lapsi came from the Sanskrit word Lapsika. It is a well-known sweet made of ghee, milk, whole wheat, raisins, and dry fruit. It is popularly used in ceremonies in north India. It is an ancient sweet also mentioned in Ayurvedic literature, Hindu culinary texts, and religious scriptures. Moong Dal Lapsi is a traditional and healthy recipe for the use of jaggery in it.

 Semolina Lapsi

Information, facts, and more

There are various types of Lapsi preparation with different ingredients. There is wheat or ata Lapsi, Semolina or suji Lapsi, Moong dal Lapsi, broken wheat or Dalia Lapsi, and many more. Singhare or chestnut Lapsi is used for special and religious occasions like vrat when the worshipper only consumes fruits known as phalahar. Badam and almond Lapsi are popular during winters. Lapsi is one of the favorite sweet dishes among Gujratis and Rajasthanis. It is an easy-to-cook recipe made with healthy ingredients.

Dalia Lapsi (broken wheat Lapsi) Recipe

Ingredients:

• Broken wheat/Dalia: 1 cup
•  Sugar: 1 cup
• Ghee/clarified butter: ½ cup
• Almonds: 10-12
• Cardamom powder: ½ tsp
• Kismis/raisins: 9-10
• Water: 4 cups 

Method:

Heat the ghee in a medium-sized Kadai or wok and stir the wheat for 5-6 minutes on medium heat. Keep stirring until golden brown then adds water. Now cook the mixture in a pressure cooker for up to 2 whistles. When the dalia is cooked, transfer it to the Kadai and add sugar. Mix well. Now cook it further and add dry fruits and raisins. When the ghee starts separating, add elaichi/cardamom powder and serve.

Serves: 4

              Moong Dal

Moong dal Lapsi Recipe

Ingredients: 

• Moong dal Split: ½ cup
• Jaggery/Gur:   ½ cup
• Ghee/clarified butter: 2 tbsp
• Dry fruits mix/ cashew nuts: 2 tbsp
• Cardamom powder: 1 tbsp
• Water: 3 cups 

Method:

Take a medium-sized pan or Kadai and roast the moong dal lightly and don’t let it turn brown.

Now mix the dal with jaggery and cook it in a pressure cooker till 1 whistle.

Now heat the ghee and roast the dry fruits. Keep it aside. Add the cooked dal and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes. Add cardamom powder and it is ready to serve.

Serves: 4

Dry fruits

Benefits of Lapsi

There are many ingredients used in Lapsi. The broken wheat Lapsi or Dalia is a whole wheat grain recipe with various health benefits. 

Dalia is high in fiber which helps prevent weight loss and is beneficial for diabetic patients. It is also suitable for the digestive system and natural laxatives. It is a good source of protein and helps build muscles. It also contains beneficial vitamins like B vitamins and minerals like magnesium. The high fiber content in Dalia helps prevent breast cancer.

Semolina or sooji is another beneficial ingredient used to make Lapsi. Semolina is rich in protein and folic acid which is a B vitamin highly essential for our health. The protein in semolina contains unsaturated fat but it is not gluten-free.

Singhara or Chestnut Lapsi is the one consumed during vrat and is highly nutritious. Chestnuts are a good source of protein, Vitamin B, carbohydrates, and some types of sugar. These are juicy fruits with high water content, dried and grounded to obtain chestnut flour. This flour is used in various recipes.

Moong Dal is considered a superfood for vegetarian recipes. It is rich in iron, copper, magnesium, and potassium. Moong dal is also rich in dietary fiber and vitamin B6. It helps improve heart health and prevents diabetes. The iron content in moong produces red blood cells, prevents anemia, and improves blood circulation.

The ghee used in Lapsi is a healthy source of fat that is anti-inflammatory, improves the immune system, and a source of essential vitamins like vitamin-A, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It strengthens bones and helps maintain healthy skin. Ghee helps reduce anxiety and stress when consumed regularly and helps regulate menstrual cycles in women.

Conclusion

A healthy and quick dessert can always be a part of our regular diet or special preparation for festivals. Since health is everyone’s priority, the right food should be chosen. Apart from health benefits, some recipes carry the traditional touch or the legacy which adds cultural value. Lapsi is one of them.

 Amrita Vishwas

 Date: 28/06/2022