Makhan Mishri, also known as Makhan Mithai or Makhan Badaam, is a delightful Indian sweet made from simple ingredients like butter (makhhan) and sugar (mishri). It's a quick and easy recipe that doesn't require any cooking. Here's how you can make Makhan Mishri at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup almonds (blanched and finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Edible silver or gold foil (varak) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparation: Start by blanching the almonds. Boil some water and pour it over the almonds in a bowl. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. The skins should easily slip off when you gently squeeze the almonds. After blanching, finely chop the almonds and set them aside.
2. Softening the Butter: Take the room temperature unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Make sure the butter is soft but not melted. You can leave it at room temperature for a while to achieve this consistency.
3. Creaming the Butter: Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the butter. Beat it until it becomes smooth and creamy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adding Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Remember that Makhan Mishri is not overly sweet, so it should have a mild sweetness. Continue to beat the mixture until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth.
5. Adding Flavor: Add the finely chopped almonds, cardamom powder, and a pinch of saffron strands (if using) to the mixture. Mix everything together until well combined. The saffron strands will add a subtle flavor and a beautiful color to the Makhan Mishri.
6. Shaping the Makhan Mishri: Traditionally, Makhan Mishri is shaped into small round , diamond-shaped pieces, or must keep the same on earthen pot. You can shape them by hand or use a mold for a decorative touch. If you want, you can also roll the Makhan Mishri mixture into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for a while to make it easier to cut into slices.
7. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish the Makhan Mishri with edible silver, gold foil (varak), or dry fruits.
8. Chilling: Place the shaped Makhan Mishri pieces on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for about 1-2 hours or until they firm up.
9. Serving: Once the Makhan Mishri has chilled and set, it's ready to be served. Arrange them on a serving plate and enjoy this delightful Indian sweet. It's perfect for special occasions, festivals, or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea.
10. Storage: Store any leftover Makhan Mishri in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for several days.
Makhan Mishri is a sweet treat that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It's a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings, and its simplicity makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy!
