Maida or white flour is a multi-purpose flour from the Indian subcontinent. Made from finely milled wheat, maida is stripped of the bran and made from the starchy part of the grain.
It is similar to all-purpose flour except that it has less protein in comparison. Maida closely resembles the cake flour and is used in making Indian fast food, bakery products and even traditional Indian sweets.
Even though Maida contains much less fibre than its healthier counterpart Atta, numerous Indian delicacies are exclusively dependent on this all-purpose flour for authentic taste and flavour.
No Indian kitchen is complete without this essential ingredient which is used to dish out lip-smacking delicacies on every occasion and festival.
Let’s find out how Maida is used in Indian households to churn out delectable recipes during important festivals and occasions-
- Gujiya- Holi, the major festival of the Hindus is celebrated with colourful zest. Gujiya, the crispy North Indian sweet is made during Holi. It is prepared by stuffing sweet khoya and dry-fruit mixture in a maida base and deep frying it on a low flame.
- Namak paare- The dazzling festival of Diwali brings joy and festivities. Made out of maida, the crispy and crunchy snacks of namak paare are a staple during Diwali.
- Shakkar paare- Sankranti, the Hindu festival dedicated to Surya (Sun God) is synonymous with Shakkar parre, the crispy, sweet diamond-shaped snack rolled out of maida dough.
- Mathri- Saltless, salty or sweet, mathri is top on the list in the Sargi items for Karva Chauth. This tempting snack is prepared by deep-frying flatly rolled maida puris. Try our readymade Haldiram Mathri and you will love it for its authentic savoury taste.
- Naan bread- The delectable naan bread that goes well with all curries is made from fermented maida. Try our Deep Garlic Naan bread with fresh garlic slices baked in traditional tandoori oven.
- Bhature- One of the most popular and delicious recipes dished out of maida is the soft and fluffy bhatura, served with spicy chickpeas.
How to store maida?
Maida usually lasts in good quality for 6 months if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to 1-1.5 years if stored in fridge or freezer at low temperature.
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