Mohanthal – The Royal Gujarati Sweet for Festivals

Mohanthal is a rich, grainy, and traditional sweet dish from Gujarat, especially prepared during Diwali, weddings, and festive occasions. Made with gram flour, ghee, and sugar, this fudge-like dessert is flavored with cardamom and garnished with dry fruits—making every bite a melt-in-mouth experience.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups besan (gram flour)
  
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
  
• 3/4 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
  
• 2 tbsp milk (for moin)
  
• 2 tbsp warm ghee (for moin)
  
• Chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish
  

‍ Method:

1. In a large plate, mix besan with 2 tbsp milk and 2 tbsp warm ghee. Rub it gently between palms until the mixture becomes coarse. Sieve if needed for even texture.
   
2. Heat 1/2 cup ghee in a heavy pan and roast the besan on low flame until it turns golden brown and aromatic (10–15 mins).
   
3. In a separate pan, prepare sugar syrup with 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Boil until it reaches one-string consistency.
   
4. Add cardamom powder to the syrup and mix.
   
5. Slowly pour syrup into roasted besan and stir constantly to combine well.
   
6. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
   
7. Pour into a greased tray and spread evenly.
   
8. Garnish with chopped dry fruits and let it cool.
   
9. Cut into squares or diamonds and serve.
   

Tips:

• Stir constantly while mixing sugar syrup to avoid lumps.
  
• Add a spoon of khoya (optional) for extra richness.
  
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week.