Lapsi Recipe (Gujarati Lapsi with Jaggery)
Lapsi is a traditional Indian sweet dish made with broken wheat, milk, ghee, sugar or jaggery, nuts, raisins and dried fruits. This wholesome dessert is especially popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where it is prepared during festivals, religious ceremonies, and special family gatherings. The nutty aroma of roasted broken wheat, the rich sweetness of jaggery, and the crunch of dry fruits make lapsi a comforting treat that’s both delicious and nutritious. Whether you call it Gujarati lapsi, sweet dalia, or broken wheat pudding, this simple recipe is a perfect blend of taste and health.
What is Lapsi in Indian Cuisine?
Lapsi is a sweet broken wheat porridge cooked with ghee, sweetened with jaggery or sugar, and often garnished with dry fruits like almonds and cashews. It holds cultural significance in many Indian households, especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, where it is served as a festive dessert during Diwali, Sharad Purnima, or religious offerings. Rich in fiber, minerals, and natural sweetness, lapsi is not just a dessert but also a nourishing dish that can be enjoyed as a wholesome breakfast or a warm after-meal sweet.
Ingredients & Substitutes
- Broken Wheat (Dalia): I used 1 bowl of coarse broken wheat for the traditional texture. You can also use fine broken wheat if you prefer a softer, porridge-like lapsi.
- Ghee: 2–3 tablespoons of pure ghee give lapsi its rich aroma and flavor. For a vegan option, use coconut oil, though the taste will be slightly different.
- Hot Water: 2 bowls of hot water help the wheat cook evenly. You can replace some water with milk for a creamier version.
- Jaggery: 1 bowl of grated or chopped jaggery adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. If jaggery is not available, use brown sugar or palm jaggery as an alternative.
- Almonds & Cashews: A handful of chopped almonds and cashews add crunch and richness. You can also use pistachios, walnuts, or skip nuts entirely if you want a nut-free dessert.
- Cardamom Powder (Optional): A pinch of cardamom enhances the aroma. You can also use nutmeg powder or saffron strands for a festive twist.
How to Make Lapsi (Sweet Broken Wheat Dessert)
Preparation
1. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker on medium flame. Add 1 bowl of broken wheat (dalia) and roast it in the ghee for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until it turns aromatic and slightly golden.
2. Pour in 2 bowls of hot water, stir well, and pressure cook for 4 whistles. This will soften the broken wheat and give the lapsi a rich, fluffy texture.
Add Jaggery and Nuts
3. Once the pressure is released naturally, open the cooker and add 1 bowl of grated or chopped jaggery. Mix well until the jaggery melts completely and blends into the cooked wheat, giving it a natural sweetness and golden-brown color.
4. Add a handful of chopped almonds, raisins and cashews for extra crunch and richness. Mix gently and serve this warm Gujarati lapsi as a festive dessert or a comforting sweet broken wheat porridge for any special occasion.
5. Serve with love and warmth, this delicious Gujarati Lapsi is the perfect sweet treat for any celebration or as a comforting everyday dessert.
Serving Suggestions for Lapsi
Lapsi sweeet dish can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it a versatile treat for different occasions. For a traditional Gujarati lapsi touch, serve it warm with a garnish of chopped dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins.
You can also pair it with a dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a rich, indulgent dessert. If you’re preparing Lapsi for festivals, try offering it with sweetened yogurt or buttermilk to balance its sweetness. For a more festive presentation, serve it in small bowls with a sprinkle of cardamom powder or saffron strands on top.
FAQs
Lapsi is a traditional Indian sweet dish made primarily from broken wheat (dalia), ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits like almonds and cashews. It’s a nutritious and delicious dessert popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Yes, you can substitute jaggery with brown sugar or regular sugar. However, jaggery gives lapsi its unique caramel flavor and natural sweetness, which is hard to replicate with other sweeteners.
Yes, lapsi is a healthy dessert option because broken wheat is high in fiber and minerals, jaggery provides natural sweetness and iron, and ghee adds healthy fats. It’s often enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast or festive sweet.
Store lapsi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
Recipe Card
Lapsi Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker
- 1 Heavy-bottomed pan
- 1 Spatula
- 2 Measuring bowls
- 4 Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 bowl broken wheat dalia
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 2 bowls hot water
- 1 bowl grated or chopped jaggery
- A handful chopped almonds and cashews
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder optional
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker on medium flame. Add broken wheat and roast for 2 minutes until aromatic and slightly golden.
- Add hot water, stir well, and pressure cook for 4 whistles to soften the wheat.
- Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker. Add grated jaggery and mix until fully dissolved and blended.
- Stir in chopped almonds, cashews, and cardamom powder. Mix gently.
- Serve warm as a nutritious dessert or breakfast.
Notes
- You can use fresh jaggery for the best flavor and color.
- For a creamier texture, substitute some water with milk.
- You can add raisins or other dry fruits as per your preference.
