Mysore Pak (also spelled Mysorepak or Mysore Pāk) is a rich, melt-in-the-mouth traditional Indian sweet from the South Indian state of Karnataka. This sweet originated from the royal kitchens of Mysore (now Mysuru) and hence the name. It’s a ghee-laden confection made primarily from just three core ingredients: gram flour (besan/kadalai maavu), sugar, and pure ghee (sometimes with a bit of oil for texture in modern versions). The result is a golden, porous, crumbly-yet-soft fudge-like sweet with a satisfying crunch from the caramelized edges. This sweet is now popular across the country, despite its regional origin. Badam Mysore Pak is one of the most popular and rich vari

History & Origin of Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak was invented in the early 20th century (around 1915–1920s) during the reign of Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV of the Kingdom of Mysore. As per legend, royal chef Kakasura Madappa accidentally created it while experimenting with a simple mixture of besan, sugar, and ghee. The Maharaja loved it so much he named it “Mysore Pak” (‘pak’ means confection or sweet preparation in Kannada). It became a royal favorite and spread across South India and even to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan under similar names.

Though ghee is the main ingredient, oils and vanaspati are also used as substitutes. Today, it’s a must-have sweet dish during festivals like Diwali, Ugadi, or weddings, not only in Karnataka but also in its neighbouring states. Brands like Krishna Sweets or local Mysore shops are famous across the country for authentic versions. Also, read the recipe for South Indian Boli.

Apart from traditional authentic variety, Mysore Pak has nut-based varieties like Cashews, Pistachio, Dry fruit, and almonds (badam), which are extremely popular. Fruit & Special Flavors, Chocolate & Fusion Varieties, and Texture-Based varieties are also available. You can try this Badam Mysore Pak Recipe (Almond-based) at home.

Badam Mysore Pak

 

Ingredients for Badam Mysore Pak:

1. Vanaspati – 350 milli
2. Gram flour – 100 gm
3. Sugar – 300 gm
4. Saffron flower (Kesar) – One pinch
5. Almond powder roasted – 1 cup

How to prepare Badam Mysore Pak?

1. Heat 150 milli Vanaspati in a pan.
2. Add gram flour to it and fry. But the colour should not change.
3. Add sufficient water to the sugar and prepare the sugar syrup by heating.
4. Add fried gram flour to this sugar syrup on a low flame, and keep stirring.
5. When full gram flour is added, add almond powder and remaining vanaspati spoon by spoon and keep stirring.
6. When the solution starts bubbling, turn off the flame. Add Kesar also.
7. Exchange the contents to a flat container after applying a little ghee and cut into desired pieces before the contents fully cool off.
8. Decorate your prepared Badam Mysore Pak sweets with chopped almonds and serve.
 
Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine Sep 1-14, 2011.
 
Note: You can also substitute vanaspati with ghee to make it healthier, and also add a little cardamom powder to enhance the taste.
 

You can read a few more delicious gram flour sweet recipes. Click on the images in the gallery to read.

 
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