Soan Papdi: A Popular Indian Sweet
Soan papdi is a popular Indian sweet that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth confection made from sugar, gram flour, and ghee. This sweet is popular not only in India but also in other countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Soan papdi is also known as “patisa” in some regions of India.
History of Soan Papdi
The origins of soan papdi are not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a traditional sweet that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. Soan papdi was initially made at home, but with time, it became a popular commercial product that is sold in sweet shops and stores across India.
Ingredients Used in Soan Papdi
The main ingredients used in making soan papdi are sugar, gram flour, and ghee. In some recipes, corn flour, wheat flour, or all-purpose flour is also used. The mixture is cooked over low heat until it thickens, and then it is stretched and folded repeatedly to create the flaky texture.
Other ingredients such as cardamom powder, saffron, and almond or pistachio slivers are added to enhance the flavor and appearance of soan papdi. Some variations also include desiccated coconut or chocolate chips.
Varieties of Soan Papdi
Soan papdi is available in many different flavors and varieties. The most popular ones include:
Plain Soan Papdi: This is the most basic and traditional version of soan papdi. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and a flaky texture.
Chocolate Soan Papdi: This is a modern variation of soan papdi that includes chocolate chips. It has a rich, chocolatey flavor that is loved by people of all ages.
Kesar Soan Papdi: This variation includes saffron, which gives it a beautiful golden color and a distinct flavor. It is a popular choice during festive seasons.
Elaichi Soan Papdi: This variation includes cardamom powder, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma. It is a popular choice for those who prefer a slightly spicy flavor.
Coconut Soan Papdi: This variation includes desiccated coconut, which gives it a slightly chewy texture and a coconutty flavor. It is a popular choice among coconut lovers.
How to Make Soan Papdi
While soan papdi is readily available in sweet shops and stores, it is also easy to make at home. Here is a simple recipe to make soan papdi at home:
Ingredients:
1 cup besan (gram flour)
1 cup sugar
1 cup ghee
¼ cup water
¼ tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp almond slivers
Instructions:
In a pan, roast besan on medium heat until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and keep aside.
In another pan, mix sugar, ghee, and water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Add the roasted besan and cardamom powder to the pan and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a greased plate or thali.
Let it cool for a few minutes and then cut into diamond-shaped pieces.
Garnish with almond slivers and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, store in an airtight container.
Where to Buy Soan Papdi
Soan papdi is available in most sweet shops and stores across India. It can also be purchased online from various e-commerce websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, and BigBasket. Many popular sweet shops such as Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, and Bikalananda Kar are also known for their quality soan papdi.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for soan papdi, not just in India but also abroad. Many Indian grocery stores in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom now stock soan papdi. It has become a popular sweet for the Indian diaspora living abroad and is often included in gift hampers during festivals and celebrations.
Apart from traditional soan papdi, many companies have also introduced flavored variants of the sweet. Some of the popular flavors include mango, chocolate, and kesar (saffron). These flavored soan papdis have become a hit among the younger generation who prefer newer and unconventional tastes.
Soan papdi has also become a popular ingredient in fusion desserts. It is often used as a topping or filling in cakes, pastries, and ice creams. Soan papdi cheesecake and soan papdi ice cream are some of the innovative desserts that have become popular in recent times.
In conclusion, soan papdi is a beloved Indian sweet that has stood the test of time. Its unique texture and taste make it a favorite among people of all ages. Whether it’s a festival, a celebration or just a simple craving for something sweet, soan papdi is always a popular choice. With its availability in local sweet shops, online marketplaces, and even international stores, it has become a sweet that transcends borders and cultures.