Irresistible Carrot Mysore Pak: A Delightful Sweet Treat

"Carrot Mysore Pak Recipe: A Unique Twist to a Classic Indian Sweet"

    Classic Indian sweets have a reputation for being tricky to master. I've always thought so too, until certain recipes—like Badusha (Balushahi) and Boondi Ladoo—surprised me with their simplicity. The same happened with Mysore Pak. When my daughter made this iconic sweet perfectly on her first try, I was in awe! It made me realize that, while traditional sweets may seem intimidating, they become quite manageable with the right technique.

What is Mysore Pak?

    Mysore Pak, a quintessential South Indian sweet, hails from Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore. The term Pak or Paku translates to sticky sugar syrup, giving this indulgent treat its name. Once a royal delicacy, Mysore Pak has secured a special spot in the hearts of Indian sweet lovers. Traditionally, this sweet has a firmer texture, but with the innovation of Ghee Mysore Pak, particularly popularized by Krishna Sweets, it has transformed into a melt-in-mouth sensation.

Why You'll Love This Carrot Mysore Pak Recipe

    With this Carrot Mysore Pak recipe, I've added a special twist—carrot purée—which brings a natural sweetness and beautiful orange hue to the mix.  This Carrot Mysore Pak recipe is as close as it gets to the ones found in Indian sweet shops. Made with just five ingredients—gram flour (besan), carrot purée, sugar, oil, and ghee—this recipe achieves that melt-in-mouth texture with a rich ghee flavour. Perfect for festivals like Diwali, this sweet treat is sure to impress.

Carrot Mysore Pak: The Perfect Festive Dessert

How to make Carrot Mysore Pak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Essential Tips Before You Start

Before diving into the preparation of this delectable treat, keep these important points in mind:

• Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all the ingredients and keep them ready. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.  Purée the Carrot and grind it with very little water into a very smooth paste.
  
• Melt the Ghee: Melt the ghee (clarified butter) and measure it afterward for accurate proportions. This helps ensure the right texture and flavour.
• Roast the Gram Flour (Besan): Dry roast the gram flour on a very low flame until it’s fragrant. Be vigilant; burning or undercooking the flour can ruin the overall flavour of your Mysore Pak.
• Cool the Flour: Allow the roasted gram flour to cool completely before mixing it with oil. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
• Preparing the Carrot-Enhanced Sugar Syrup: Mix the carrot purée with the sugar and water to create a vibrant sugar syrup that not only sweetens the Mysore Pak but also infuses it with the natural colour and subtle flavour of carrots.
• One-String Sugar Syrup: Make sure the sugar syrup reaches one-string consistency. This is vital for the perfect texture of the Mysore Pak.
• Continuous Stirring: Stir and scrape down the sides and bottom of the pan continuously throughout the process. This prevents the mixture from sticking and burning.
• Stay Attentive: Don’t leave the mixture unattended while cooking. Staying focused will prevent any mishaps and ensure your recipe turns out perfectly.
• Gradual Addition of Ghee/Oil: Pour the Mysore Pak batter gradually into the sugar syrup while cooking on a medium-low flame. This ensures proper mixing and absorption.
• Batching the Ghee/Oil: When adding the first batch of oil/ghee, do so in small increments (about 20 ml at a time). Wait until each addition is well absorbed before adding more. This step is done on a medium-low flame. This method enhances the texture of the final product.
• Next batch of Oil/Ghee: The next round of Ghee/Oil is poured, off the heat.
  
• Prepare Your Pan: Grease a rectangular pan with oil and line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the Mysore Paks easily once they set.

Cuisine - Karnataka(South Indian)
Recipe Type - Sweet, Dessert
Difficulty - Medium
Yields -12 -16 Pieces
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 15 - 20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes

Enjoy Food and Wishing you all a Happy Diwali!!!

"Irresistible Carrot Mysore Pak Recipe: A Melt-in-the-Mouth Festive Delight"

Mouthwatering Carrot Mysore Pak: A Sweet Indulgence

Ingredients

For Mysore Pak Batter:

• 100 grams Bengal Gram Dhal Flour (Besan)
• 100 ml Oil

For Sugar Syrup:

• 300 grams Sugar
• 120 grams  Carrot Purée
• 100 ml Water

For Carrot Mysore Pak: 

• 50 ml Oil
• 50 ml Ghee

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Mysore Pak Batter

• Dry Roast the Gram Flour: Heat a pan over a low flame and dry roast the Bengal Gram Flour (Besan) until it becomes fragrant. Take care not to burn the flour as this can spoil the flavour.
• Cool and Sift: Once roasted, switch off the flame and allow it to cool completely. Sift the flour to remove any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth batter.
• Mix with Oil: After cooling, pour in 100 ml of oil and whisk well until the mixture is lump-free.  Set the batter aside.
  

   

  Pro Tip: You can also sieve it again to ensure the batter is lump-free and has a smooth texture.

   

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup with Carrot Purée

• Clean, Peel, and Grate the Carrots: Start by thoroughly cleaning and peeling the carrots, then grate them finely.
• Make a Smooth Purée: Grind the grated carrots into a smooth purée without adding any water. If the mixture is too thick, add 2-3 teaspoons of water to help achieve the right consistency.
• Combine Sugar, Water, and Carrot Purée: In a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan, add 300 grams of sugar, 100 ml of water, and the carrot purée. Mix everything well.
• Dissolve the Sugar: Heat the mixture on a low flame, stirring continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. 
• Boil to One String Consistency: Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil over medium-high heat. Achieve one string consistency, which is crucial for making perfect Carrot Mysore Pak. 
  

   

  Note: Overheating the syrup will caramelize it, leading to hard Mysore Pak.      *Pro Tip:  To check for one string consistency, take a spoonful of syrup and let it drizzle; it should form a thin string without breaking.

Melt-in-mouth Carrot Mysore Pak

Step 3: Combine Batter and Sugar Syrup

• Incorporate the Batter: As soon as the Carrot Purée Syrup reaches one string consistency, gradually pour in the Mysore Pak batter while stirring continuously. This prevents lumps from forming.
• Cook the Mixture: Keep stirring to ensure the batter doesn’t stick to the sides or bottom of the pan. Cook on medium-low heat until large bubbles form, indicating its thickening.
• Add Oil in Batches: Slowly incorporate 100 ml of oil in small batches (about 20 ml at a time). Wait for each batch to be absorbed before adding more (the next 20ml batch). Stir continuously throughout this process.
  

   

  Note: For 100 ml oil you may have to pour it in 5 batches totally - 20 ml each. 

   

Step 4: Final Touches

• Incorporate Remaining Oil and Ghee: Once all the oil is absorbed and the mixture looks foamy, turn off the heat. Add 50 ml of ghee and 50 ml of oil gradually, stirring well until fully incorporated. The batter should resemble a dough that slightly pulls away from the pan.
  

   

  Note: Pour the last batch of 50ml Ghee & 50ml Oil gradually in batches after switching off the flame.
  

   
  

• Set the Carrot Mysore Pak: Grease a rectangular pan and optionally line it with oiled parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the top. After about 5 minutes, draw rectangular lines with a knife to mark the pieces.
• Cool and Serve: Let the Carrot Mysore Pak cool for about 40–45 minutes. Once set, gently invert the pan onto a plate or remove the parchment paper. Enjoy a piece or two immediately!

Serving Suggestions:

• Storage: Store the Carrot Mysore Pak in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. When kept properly, it can last 5–7 days at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
  

   

  Pro Tip: Microwave for a few seconds before serving for that fresh taste.

   

Notes & Tips for Perfecting Your Carrot Mysore Pak Recipe

Creating the perfect Carrot Mysore Pak involves attention to detail and a few key tips. Here’s what you need to keep in mind for a delightful experience:

Key Tips for a Flawless Recipe

• Roast the Gram Flour: Dry roasting the Bengal gram flour (besan) until it’s fragrant is essential. This step enhances the flavour of your Mysore Pak, giving it that deliciously nutty aroma.
• Fresh Carrot Purée - Use freshly made carrot purée for the best flavour and colour.
• Avoid using food colouring. The natural orange hue from the carrots adds an authentic touch.
  
• Mastering Sugar Syrup: The sugar syrup must reach one-string consistency. To test this, take a spoonful of syrup and pour it back. If it forms a thin string without breaking, you’re good to go! This consistency is vital for achieving the perfect texture in your Mysore Pak.
• Oil and Ghee Proportions: In this recipe, I’ve used 150 ml of oil and 50 ml of ghee. This combination creates a melt-in-mouth texture reminiscent of the Mysore Pak sold in traditional Indian sweet shops. Trust me; this is the way to go!

  Looking for more quick sweet recipes? Try this Coconut Burfi Recipe!

Adjusting for Ghee Lovers

• All Ghee & No Oil: If you’re a fan of that rich ghee flavour, feel free to substitute all the oil with 200 ml of ghee. Just ensure it’s melted and slightly warm when you add it to the batter. However, for health reasons, I advise against using only ghee, as moderation is key.

Setting Your Carrot Mysore Pak

• After pouring in the batter, let it rest for about 40–45 minutes to set. If you’re too eager to indulge, you can dig in after just 10–15 minutes!

Your Sweet Journey Awaits with Carrot Mysore Pak!

    And there you have it—the ultimate Carrot Mysore Pak recipe that adds a vibrant twist to the classic favourite. The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of natural sweetness from the carrots promises an unforgettable experience, just like the ones from your favourite sweet shops! Each bite is a delightful celebration of rich flavours and textures, perfect for festive occasions or whenever you feel like indulging your sweet cravings.

Discover More Sweet Inspirations!

    For more mouth-watering recipes that will impress your family and friends, check out Indian Sweet Recipes or explore Quick Diwali Treats to elevate your festive celebrations.

    So, go ahead and enjoy a warm piece of freshly made Carrot Mysore Pak. Let the unique flavours transport you to a world of sweetness and joy. Happy cooking, and savour every delightful bite!