Malpua Plates: How To Elevate The Indian Banana Dessert

Malpua is a beloved Indian dessert and is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. But if you want to take this classic to the next level, it is all about adding a twist that will surprise your taste buds and take it up a notch. Whether you are making it for a family gathering or a festival, you will find that just a few smart additions can turn a simple malpua into a gourmet dessert.

The beauty of malpua lies in its simplicity, crunchy outside, soft inside and often drizzled with syrup. But why not give it a modern spin? By playing with flavors, garnishes and plating, you can get the best out of this dessert.

With just 3 ingredients - bananas, flour and sugar, you can elevate malpua with a dash of imagination. It is about balancing the comforting and nostalgic with something new and unexpected. Whether you are serving malpua with a scoop of ice cream, topping it with fresh fruits or infusing spices to enhance the flavor, there are countless ways to make it shine.

How To Make Traditional Malpua At Home

Malpua is a classic Indian dessert that has stood the test of time, crispy on the outside, soft in the middle and sweet sweet sweet.

Ingredients (for 6-8 servings):

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup semolina (sooji)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
• Ghee or oil for frying

For Sugar Syrup:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• A few drops of rose water (optional)

Method:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over low flame until sugar dissolves.
2. Let it simmer until it slightly thickens. Add saffron and rose water. Keep aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, cardamom powder and a pinch of salt.
4. Add water little by little and mix until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick but spreadable. Add baking soda and mix well.
5. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium flame. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan and shape into small round pancakes.
6. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
7. Once the malpua are fried, dip them in the warm sugar syrup for 10-15 seconds.
8. Place the malpua on a serving plate and serve them warm!

6 Ways To Creatively Plate Malpua

Stacked Malpua Tower

Stacking malpua is a simple yet impressive way to plate this classic. Stack 2-3 malpua on top of each other, slightly off-centre to give a natural lean. Drizzle a thin thread of warm sugar syrup on top for shine and garnish with chopped pistachios, almonds or saffron strands. Serve on a square or round plate for a clean look.

Malpua Nest With Fresh Fruits

For contrast, place a single malpua in the centre of the plate and surround it with a small nest of fresh fruits like berries, pomegranate seeds or citrus segments. The freshness of the fruit will cut through the richness of the malpua and add color and texture to the plate. A drizzle of warm honey or a light syrup will give it a glossy finish.

Malpua With Ice Cream Scoop

If you want to go all out, serve with a scoop of vanilla or saffron ice cream. Place the malpua in the centre of the plate and nest the ice cream on top or beside it. Sprinkle some cardamom powder or crushed pistachios for extra flavor and drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an indulgent finish.

Malpua With Caramelized Nuts

For a rich and textural contrast, serve with a scattering of caramelized nuts like almonds, cashews or walnuts. The crunchy sweet nuts will add depth to the plate and balance out the soft malpua. You can also sprinkle some edible gold dust for extra luxury. Serve on a long rectangular plate for a modern look.

Malpua With Rose Petals And Saffron

For a classic touch, top with rose petals and saffron, these are traditional and make it look more special. Serve on a small round plate with petals around the edges. A few drops of rose water on top will add to the experience, making it more elegant.

One Malpua on a Plain Plate

Sometimes less is more, so for an elegant presentation, serve one perfect golden malpua on a plain plate. A small dollop of whipped cream, a few dots of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can be added for a hint of sophistication. This minimalist plating is all about letting the malpua be the hero without overwhelming the senses.