Afghan Malida , it's a traditional dish , symbolizes unity and sharing , often prepared for weddings and festivals , reflecting Afghan hospitality and culture .

Afghan Malida is a traditional dish with significant cultural and social value, often prepared for weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. Made from wheat flour or semolina, butter, sugar, and cardamom, it's mixed with dried fruits and nuts like dates, raisins, almonds, and pistachios. Malida symbolizes unity and sharing, often prepared and consumed communally, reflecting Afghan hospitality. Its delicious taste and nutritional value make it a beloved dish, highlighting its role in Afghan culture.

Ingredients:

1- 1 cup whole wheat flour

2- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)

3- 1/2 cup jaggery (unrefined cane sugar)

4- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

5- 2 tbsp sliced almonds (optional)

Method:

1- In a heavy-bottomed pan, roast the whole wheat flour on medium heat for 10-12 minutes until it turns golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

2- Add the ghee to the pan and stir well until it is fully incorporated into the roasted flour.

3- Add the jaggery to the pan and stir continuously until it melts and forms a sticky mixture with the flour and ghee. Add cardamom powder and mix well.

4- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

5- Once the mixture has cooled down a bit, use your hands to form small balls or serve as a crumbly sweet dish.

6- Garnish with sliced almonds (optional).

Notes:

1- Malida can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

2- Adjust the amount of jaggery to your liking for a sweeter or less sweet dessert.

3- You can also add other nuts or dried fruits to the mixture for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving size: 1 ball (25g)

• Calories: 95
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 9mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 2g

Here are the nutrition facts for the ingredients listed in the Malida recipe:

1 cup whole wheat flour:

• Calories: 408
• Total fat: 2.2g
• Saturated fat: 0.3g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Carbohydrates: 87g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugars: 0.8g
• Protein: 16g

benefits:

• Nutrient-Rich: Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber, protein, and several essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
• Digestive Health: The high fiber content helps improve digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
• Heart Health: Regular consumption of whole grains like whole wheat is associated with reduced risks of heart diseases.

1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter):

• Calories: 408
• Total fat: 46g
• Saturated fat: 29g
• Cholesterol: 122mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0.3g

benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins: Ghee is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, and K.
• Lactose-Free: Since ghee is clarified, it lacks the milk solids and lactose found in regular butter, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
• Contains Healthy Fats: Ghee contains medium-chain fatty acids, which are believed to support metabolism and are used directly by the liver for energy.

1/2 cup jaggery (unrefined cane sugar):

• Calories: 383
• Total fat: 0g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Carbohydrates: 97g
• Sugars: 97g

benefits:

• Nutrient Profile: Unlike refined sugar, jaggery contains trace minerals including iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are beneficial for health.
• Antioxidant Properties: Jaggery has antioxidant properties that can help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Digestive Health: It is often used in Indian traditional medicine to help aid digestion and relieve constipation.

1/4 tsp cardamom powder:

• Calories: 6
• Total fat: 0.1g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Protein: 0.1g

benefits:

• Digestive Aid: Cardamom is known for its ability to aid in digestion, relieve stomach discomfort, and reduce bloating and gas.
• Antioxidant Properties: It contains compounds that may help protect cells from damage and slow down and prevent inflammation in your body.
• Oral Health: Cardamom is also used for its ability to freshen breath and help fight oral pathogens.

2 tbsp sliced almonds (optional):

• Calories: 103
• Total fat: 9g
• Saturated fat: 0.7g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Carbohydrates: 3.7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 0.8g
• Protein: 4g

benefits:

• Heart Health: Almonds are high in healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. The healthy fats and fiber contribute to heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Blood Sugar Control: Almonds can help control blood sugar levels and prevent spikes after meals due to their high content of protein and fiber.
• Weight Management: The protein and fiber in almonds contribute to feelings of fullness, which can help in managing weight.

Please note that these nutrition facts are approximate values and may vary based on the specific brands and variations of the ingredients used. Additionally, the nutrition facts provided are for the individual ingredients and do not account for any additional preparation or cooking methods used in the recipe.

Malida is a delicious and nutritious dessert that is easy to make at home. It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, and can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or a quick snack.