Aye Aye, Mysore Pak Shake Fans! Your Chef Curry Do’pyaza is Here!

Namaste, Kem Chho, Sat Sri Akal, and Vanakkam my foodie friends! Welcome back to my humble little corner of the internet, where the aroma of spices hangs heavy and the stories are as rich as a perfectly simmered dal. Today, we are not just cooking; we are crafting an experience. We are diving headfirst into a dessert that’s so iconic, so beloved, it practically sings a raga when you bite into it.

We are talking about Mysore Pak, but with a twist! Forget the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth squares for a moment. We are going to transform this royal sweet into a decadent, delightful Mysore Pak Shake!

When Mysore Pak Reigns Supreme

Mysore Pak isn’t just a sweet; it’s an emotion. You see it gracing tables during Diwali, the festival of lights, adding its golden glow to the celebrations. It’s a must-have during weddings, where its richness symbolizes prosperity and happiness. And of course, no trip to Mysore (or any South Indian sweet shop, for that matter) is complete without bringing back a box (or two!) of this sugary treasure. It’s especially popular during the cooler months, when its warmth and sweetness provide comfort and joy.

A Royal Beginning

Legend has it that Mysore Pak was born in the kitchens of the Mysore Palace, under the watchful eye of the Maharaja’s head chef, Kakasura Madappa. He was experimenting with besan (gram flour) and ghee (clarified butter), and shakkar (sugar) trying to create something unique for the king. The result? A sweet so divine, it became a royal favorite and earned the name “Mysore Pak” – “Pak” meaning sweet in Kannada.

Mysore Pak Shake: Recipe Time!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for simple syrup, if needed)

Ingredients:

1 cup Mysore Pak (approximately 8-10 small pieces) – (Mysore Pak)
1 cup chilled milk (Doodh)
1/2 cup heavy cream (Malai) – for extra richness (optional)
2 tablespoons sugar (Shakkar) – adjust to your liking
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (Elaichi Powder) – for that authentic aroma
Ice cubes – as needed
Chopped pistachios (Pista) – for garnish
Saffron strands (Kesar) – for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Prep the Mysore Pak: Cut the Mysore Pak into smaller, manageable pieces. This will help it blend smoothly.
Sweeten the Deal: Taste your Mysore Pak. If it is not sweet enough, make a simple sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in equal parts water on the stovetop. Boil until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool.
Blend It Up: In a blender, combine the Mysore Pak pieces, chilled milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar syrup (if using), and cardamom powder.
Ice, Ice Baby: Add a few ice cubes to the blender. This will give your shake that perfect frosty texture.
Blend Away: Blend everything until smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more pieces of Mysore Pak.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste! Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or sugar syrup. Add more cardamom if you want a stronger flavor.
Pour and Garnish: Pour the shake into a tall glass. Garnish with chopped pistachios and a few strands of saffron.

Chef Curry’s Secret Tips:

Chill Everything: Make sure your milk and Mysore Pak are well-chilled for the best texture.
Don’t Over-Blend: Blending for too long can make the shake too thin. Blend just until smooth.
Fresh is Best: Use fresh, good-quality Mysore Pak for the most authentic flavor.
Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of nutmeg or ginger powder can add a warm, inviting twist.

Cooking it Your Way:

While this recipe is designed for a blender, here are a few alternative ideas:

Microwave Hack: If your Mysore Pak is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it before blending.
No Blender? No Problem!: You can mash the Mysore Pak into a smooth paste with a fork and then whisk it into the milk and cream. It won’t be as smooth as a blended shake, but it will still be delicious!

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 350-400
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Protein: 5-7g

Note: This is an estimate and can vary depending on the ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy your Mysore Pak Shake chilled, as a delightful dessert or a refreshing afternoon treat.
Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra-special touch.
Pair it with a crispy samosa or a spicy pakora for a truly Indian experience.

So there you have it, my friends! A simple, yet incredibly delicious way to enjoy the magic of Mysore Pak in a whole new form. Now, go forth and create this dreamy shake in your own kitchens. Share it with your loved ones, and let the sweet symphony of flavors bring joy to your hearts.

Do try out this recipe and share it with your friends and family. I will be back next week with another exciting recipe. Until then, happy cooking!

Your friend,
Chef Curry Do’pyaza.