Mallaja

Mallaja refers to a traditional South Indian sweet, particularly popular in the state of Karnataka. It is a type of laddoo, a spherical sweet confection, made primarily from roasted gram flour (also known as pottukadalai or dalia) and jaggery. The preparation involves roasting the gram flour until it is fragrant and a light golden brown. This is then mixed with powdered jaggery and a blend of spices, which commonly include cardamom for aroma and sometimes a pinch of nutmeg. Ghee is often added to bind the mixture and provide a rich flavor and smooth texture.

The texture of mallaja can vary depending on the preparation. Some versions are slightly crumbly, while others are smoother and more cohesive. It is typically enjoyed as a snack or a festive sweet. The use of jaggery instead of refined sugar gives mallaja a distinct caramel-like flavor and a darker hue. While gram flour is the most common base, variations might exist using other roasted lentils or flours, though these are less traditional. Mallaja is considered a relatively healthy sweet due to the presence of gram flour, which is a good source of protein and fiber, and jaggery, which is less processed than white sugar.