Malpua (Pancakes in Syrup)

Pancakes Indian style! Malpuas are far too special to confine them to breakfast but after you've tried them you'll probably want them at every meal

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2  cups water
• 3  cups sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 500  g flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 250  g dry milk
• 2  tablespoons anise seed
• 3  tablespoons  slivered almonds, and
•  pistachios (to garnish)
•  oil, to deep fry malpuas

Directions

1. pan, mix 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar and boil. The syrup is ready when you get a single-thread consistency. The way to test this is to stir the syrup with a spoon, lift the spoon out and carefully touch the syrup on it with your index finger.
2. Press your index finger and thumb together and gently pull apart. The sugar will stretch to form a single 'thread'. If this happens the syrup is ready. If not keep boiling and test occasionally till done.
3. When the syrup is ready add the cardamom powder and mix well. Keep the syrup aside to use later.
4. In a large mixing bowl, blend the dry milk, flour,funnel seed and baking powder together to form a smooth batter.
5. While you are mixing the batter, heat enough oil in a deep frying pan to cook the malpuas.
6. When the oil is hot, use a ladle to gently pour the batter into the oil to form circles about 4" in diameter.
7. Cook till golden brown. Remove from the oil and put directly into the sugar syrup.
8. Remove after 2-3 minutes and drain on a wire rack with a plate underneath to catch the dripping syrup.and garnish with slivered nuts.