Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)

// Mohanthal is a traditional Indian Sweet originated from Indian States of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This gram flour fudge has a rich flavor and delicious taste.

By Anupama
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Learn Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal-2 Ways Video Recipe (मोहनथाल) Video Recipe—Mohanthal or Mohan Thal is a traditional Gujarati-Rajasthani Dessert.

This is an outstanding and classic Indian fudge made with gram flour (besan) and ghee and sweetened with saffron and cardamom flavored sugar syrup.

there are a plate of mohanthal on a blue table

Happy weekend guys. Hope you all are doing good. Any plans for this weekend? For me, this weekend is going to be super busy. I have plans for some major long-due Autumn home cleaning, and I so hope that it could finally be done this weekend. Just keeping my fingers crossed.

I have also told to the other two helpers of the family to not make any plans for this weekend — some work coming up their way. I know it’s gonna be very tiring, but it’s all worth it. Isn’t it? 🙂

a close up of a plate of mohanthal with nuts on a blue table

Coming to today’s recipe. This is another Diwali inspired recipe after Mathri, Gulab Jamun, and Aloo Puri. Most of you would know that one of the biggest Indian festivals Diwali is only some days away.

Good food = great festive time. No celebration is complete without a touch of sweet dishes. Isn’t it?

There is a wide variety of Indian desserts (sweets) aka ‘Mithai’. And Diwali and Mithais are bestest of the friends.

Today I am sharing a dessert aka ‘Mitai’ which is very popular during Diwali time in the western Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This mithai is ‘Mohanthal’, which is also known as a Diwali Mithai.

there are a bunch of mohanthal on a plate on a table

In the sates of Rajasthan and Gujarat, this dessert dish ’Mohanthal’ is a must during the festival of Diwali. I come from the Indian state of Rajasthan. So I grew up eating this Mithai almost every year.

The last Diwali I celebrated in India with my family was about 10 years ago, and that time my Mom also made this sweet and she still does.

there are a few pieces of mohanthal stacked on top of each other

Gujarat and Rajasthan are neighboring states in India, and so their eating preferences are kinda similar. We had many Gujarati neighbors, and every Diwali my Mom and her Gujarati friends exchanged this sweet.

The reason is, this Mithai made with exact same ingredients, but the cooking method is different in both the states. So different families packed different flavors. My Mom learnt the Gujarati Mohanthal recipe from her friends, and vice versa.

a close up of a plate of mohanthal with nuts and nuts

Like my Mommy, I don’t really make Mohanthal every Diwali here. During my last visit to India, I learned to make Mohanthal with both of the methods from my Mom. So this Diwali I decided to make both versions of this Mohanthal.

there are a plate of mohanthal that is on a table with some pistachios and a blue napkin

What is Mohanthal?

Mohanthal or Mohan Thal is a traditional Gujarati & Rajasthani Dessert. This is a dense Indian style fudge made with gram flour (besan), ghee, dry fruits and sweetened with saffron and cardamom flavored sugar syrup.

This mithai is usually cooked during the festive season such as Diwali. This melt-in-the-mouth classic mithai is very rich in texture and taste.

there are a plate of mohanthal that is on a table with a golden napkin

Why should you try this Mohanthal recipe?

All in all, if you are from Gujarat or Rajasthan and living abroad like me, and if you are badly missing your mom’s homemade Mohanthal, then this is a perfect fool-proof recipe for you. I hope that this Diwali you make this exotic Mohanthal for your family and friends.

I guarantee, this will be a taste they will cherish for a long time.

What is the difference between Gujarati and Rajasthani Mohanthal?

  1. Gujarati Mohanthal does not have any kohya/mawa, but Rajasthani Mohanthal recipe often included khoya.

  2. In Gujarati Mohanthal recipe you roast besan in ghee, but in Rajasthani Mohanthal you first have to make muthiyas. Then you deep fry them and after frying, you pound them and pass it through a sieve to get a fine powder. Then you roast this with ghee.

a close up of a plate of mohanthal with nuts and nuts

Other Diwali Sweet Recipes you may like:

a close up of a plate of mohanthal with garnished with nuts

Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways) (Step-by-step photo instructions)

Make Gujarati Mohanthal:

  1. Add 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup water to a deep pan, and stir well. Let it cook on high heat for 3 minutes.
    2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  2. Turn the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
    3. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  3. Add saffron soaked in water and stir well and boil for a minute.
    4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  4. Add cardamom powder stir well.
    5. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-4 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  5. Let the syrup boil till sugar syrup is thick and forms 2 string consistency. Keep stirring occasionally.
    6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-5 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  6. Combine the besan, 1 tablespoon of ghee and 3 tablespoons of milk in a mixing bowl.
    7. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-6 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  7. Mix well and gently press the mixture using your fingertips.
    8. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-7 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  8. Cover with a lid and set aside for 30 minutes.
    9. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-8 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  9. After 30 minutes, uncover the bowl.
    10. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-9 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  10. Break the lumps lightly with your fingertips and sieve it using a sieve. Set it aside.
    11. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-10 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  11. Heat 1/2 cup the ghee in a pan on a medium heat
    12. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-11 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  12. Add the sieved besan mixture and stir well.
    13. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-12 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  13. Cook on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or till the mixture turns golden in color. Keep stirring continuously.
    14. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-13 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  14. Remove from the heat and set is aside to cool down for 15-20 minutes.
    15. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-14 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  15. Add the prepared sugar syrup to the cooled besan mixture.
    16. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-15 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  16. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes or till the mixture cools and thickens up.
    17. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-16 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  17. Grease a container, pan or thali with ghee and pour the mixture into it. Spread it evenly using a flat spatula.
    18. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-17 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  18. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and almonds evenly over it and pat it with a flat spatula.
    19. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-18 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  19. Keep it aside to cool completely for 2 hours.
    20. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-19 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  20. Cut into equal sized squares and serve.
    21. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-20 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  21. Store in an air-tight container. Serve at room temperature or warm.
    22. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-21 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)

Make Rajasthani Mohanthal:

  1. Add 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup water to a deep pan, and stir well. Let it cook on high heat for 3 minutes.
    2. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-1 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  2. Turn the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
    3. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-2 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  3. Add saffron soaked in water and stir well and boil for a minute.
    4. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-3 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  4. Add cardamom powder stir well.
    5. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-4 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  5. Let the water boil till sugar syrup is thick and forms 2 string consistency. Keep stirring occasionally.
    6. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-5 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  6. Add besan, 1 tablespoon ghee, and 3 tablespoons milk to a mixing bowl. and mix well.
    7. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-6 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  7. Add milk or water and knead well to make a stiff dough.
    8. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-7 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  8. Once the dough is ready, divide it into 4 equal portions.
    9. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-8 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  9. Roll each portion into balls and then shape them into patties by flatteding them between palms.
    10. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-9 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  10. Heat the ghee/oil in a pan over high heat.
    11. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-10 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  11. Once hot, turn the heat to low and deep fry the patties at low heat until they are golden brown in color from all the sides.
    12. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-11 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  12. Once fried, drain fried patties with a slotted spoon, and transfer them to a plate.
    13. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-12 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  13. Allow them to cool for 3-4 minutes.
    14. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-13 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  14. Break the patties into pieces. Add them to a food processer or blender jar, and grind the fried patties in a blender into a fine powder.
    15. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-14 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  15. Pass it through the sieve to get a fine mixture.
    16. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-15 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  16. Heat 4 tablespoons ghee in a pan. And add the sieved besan mixture and stir well.
    17. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-16 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  17. Cook on medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
    18. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-17 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  18. After 5 minutes, add crumbled mawa and cook for 5 more minutes. Keep stirring continuously.
    19. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-18 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  19. Now, add the prepared sugar syrup to the besan mixture, stir well.
    20. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-19 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  20. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes or till the mixture cools and thickens up.
    21. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-20 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  21. Grease a container, pan or thali with ghee and pour the mixture into it.
    22. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-21 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  22. Spread it evenly using a flat spatula.
    23. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-22 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  23. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and almonds evenly over it and pat it with a flat spatula.
    24. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-23 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  24. Keep it aside to cool completely for 4 hours or overnight.
    25. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-24 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  25. Cut into equal sized squares and serve.
    26. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-25 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)
  26. Serve at room temperature or warm.
    27. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-26 for Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways)

Recipe Card


Mohanthal Recipe - Mohan Thal (2 Ways) [Recipe]

Recipe Image
Mohanthal is a traditional Indian Sweet originated from Indian States of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This gram flour fudge has a rich flavor and delicious taste.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 88 reviews)
Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
40 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Desserts Indian 8-10 pieces
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
185 calories 1 piece

INGREDIENTS

For Gujarati Mohanthal (I Am Using 250ml Cup)
  • 1 cup gram flour
  • 1/2 cup ghee
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 7-8 saffron strands soaked in 1 tablespoon warm water for 15 minutes
  • 4 tablespoons chopped almonds and pistachio for garnish
For Rajasthani Mohanthal (I Am Using 250ml Cup)
  • 1 cup gram flour
  • 4 + 1 tablespoons ghee
  • 1/2 cup crumbled mawa
  • 8-10 tablespoon milk or more if needed for making dough
  • ghee or oil for deep frying
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 7-8 saffron strands soaked in warm water for 15 mins
  • 4 tablespoons chopped almonds and pistachio for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make Gujarati Mohanthal:
  1. Add 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup water to a deep pan, and stir well. Let it cook on high heat for 3 minutes.
  2. Turn the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add saffron soaked in water and stir well and boil for a minute.
  4. Add cardamom powder stir well.
  5. Let the syrup boil till sugar syrup is thick and forms 2 string consistency. Keep stirring occasionally.
  6. Combine the besan, 1 tablespoon of ghee and 3 tablespoons of milk in a mixing bowl.
  7. Mix well and gently press the mixture using your fingertips.
  8. Cover with a lid and set aside for 30 minutes.
  9. After 30 minutes, uncover the bowl.
  10. Break the lumps lightly with your fingertips and sieve it using a sieve. Set it aside.
  11. Heat 1/2 cup the ghee in a pan on a medium heat
  12. Add the sieved besan mixture and stir well.
  13. Cook on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or till the mixture turns golden in color. Keep stirring continuously.
  14. Remove from the heat and set is aside to cool down for 15-20 minutes.
  15. Add the prepared sugar syrup to the cooled besan mixture.
  16. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes or till the mixture cools and thickens up.
  17. Grease a container, pan or thali with ghee and pour the mixture into it. Spread it evenly using a flat spatula.
  18. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and almonds evenly over it and pat it with a flat spatula.
  19. Keep it aside to cool completely for 2 hours.
  20. Cut into equal sized squares and serve.
  21. Store in an air-tight container. Serve at room temperature or warm.
Make Rajasthani Mohanthal:
  1. Add 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup water to a deep pan, and stir well. Let it cook on high heat for 3 minutes.
  2. Turn the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add saffron soaked in water and stir well and boil for a minute.
  4. Add cardamom powder stir well.
  5. Let the water boil till sugar syrup is thick and forms 2 string consistency. Keep stirring occasionally.
  6. Add besan, 1 tablespoon ghee, and 3 tablespoons milk to a mixing bowl. and mix well.
  7. Add milk or water and knead well to make a stiff dough.
  8. Once the dough is ready, divide it into 4 equal portions.
  9. Roll each portion into balls and then shape them into patties by flatteding them between palms.
  10. Heat the ghee/oil in a pan over high heat.
  11. Once hot, turn the heat to low and deep fry the patties at low heat until they are golden brown in color from all the sides.
  12. Once fried, drain fried patties with a slotted spoon, and transfer them to a plate.
  13. Allow them to cool for 3-4 minutes.
  14. Break the patties into pieces. Add them to a food processer or blender jar, and grind the fried patties in a blender into a fine powder.
  15. Pass it through the sieve to get a fine mixture.
  16. Heat 4 tablespoons ghee in a pan. And add the sieved besan mixture and stir well.
  17. Cook on medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
  18. After 5 minutes, add crumbled mawa and cook for 5 more minutes. Keep stirring continuously.
  19. Now, add the prepared sugar syrup to the besan mixture, stir well.
  20. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes or till the mixture cools and thickens up.
  21. Grease a container, pan or thali with ghee and pour the mixture into it.
  22. Spread it evenly using a flat spatula.
  23. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and almonds evenly over it and pat it with a flat spatula.
  24. Keep it aside to cool completely for 4 hours or overnight.
  25. Cut into equal sized squares and serve.
  26. Serve at room temperature or warm.

WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...

NOTES:

  1. Mohanthal stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days and in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/rajasthani-mohanthal-gujarati-mohanthal-mohan-thal-2-ways-video-recipe/

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