How to Make Makhan & Lassi with an Electric Madhani (Barqi Madhani Guide)

Fresh white makhan on a winter morning, with saag and makki ki roti – and a glass of lassi after lunch. Churning dahi by hand with a wooden madhani takes time and a strong arm. An electric madhani (also called a burqi or barqi madhani, or a milk skimming machine) does the churning for you. Here is how to get the most makhan and the best lassi from it.

What you need

• Dahi (yoghurt) set from full-cream milk – the creamier the milk, the more makhan you get.
• Water: cold in summer, at room temperature or slightly warm in winter.
• An electric madhani and a deep pot or matka.
• A bowl of cold water to wash the makhan.

Step 1 – Set the dahi the night before

Set dahi from full-cream milk and let it set well overnight. Many families collect the malai (cream) from milk over a few days and set it into dahi – this gives much more makhan.

Step 2 – Add water and fill the pot

Put the dahi in the pot and add water – roughly as much water as dahi, or a little less for thicker lassi. Do not fill the pot to the top: leave enough space so it does not splash while churning.

Step 3 – Churn with the madhani

Place the madhani in the pot and switch it on. After a while you will see small yellow-white grains of makhan forming and rising to the top. In winter it can take longer because the dahi is cold – a little warmer water helps the makhan come together.

Step 4 – Collect the makhan

When the makhan has gathered into lumps on top, switch the madhani off and unplug it. Lift the makhan out with your hand or a spoon and put it in the bowl of cold water. Press it gently a few times and change the water until it runs clear – this keeps the makhan fresh for longer.

Step 5 – Enjoy the lassi

What is left in the pot is fresh lassi. Add salt or sugar to taste, or keep it in the fridge for later. It is lighter than shop lassi because the makhan has been taken out.

Bonus – Make desi ghee from the makhan

Heat the makhan in a heavy pan on a low flame. It will melt, bubble and slowly turn clear and golden, with brown bits at the bottom. When the bubbling settles and it smells nutty, switch off the flame, let it cool a little and strain it into a clean, dry jar.

Looking after your electric madhani

• Always unplug it before taking it out of the pot or cleaning it.
• Wash the beater part that goes into the dahi; do not put the motor body in water.
• Dry it fully before you put it away.

اردو خلاصہ

رات کو بالائی والا دہی جمائیں، صبح دہی میں پانی ملا کر برقی مدھانی چلائیں۔ مکھن اوپر آ جائے تو مدھانی بند کریں، مکھن نکال کر ٹھنڈے پانی میں دھو لیں، اور باقی تازہ لسی پی لیں۔ مکھن کو ہلکی آنچ پر پکا کر دیسی گھی بھی بنایا جا سکتا ہے۔

Frequently asked questions

Why is my makhan not coming out? (Makhan kyun nahi nikal raha?)

Usually the dahi is too cold (in winter) or too warm (in summer), or the milk had little cream. Use full-cream milk, and adjust the water temperature with the season.

Is a burqi madhani the same as an electric madhani? (Burqi madhani aur electric madhani mein farq?)

Yes – burqi, barqi or bijli wali madhani, electric madhani and milk skimming machine are all names for the same machine.

What is the price of the Al Riaz electric madhani? (Madhani ki qeemat?)

Rs 8,750 on sale at the moment (regular price Rs 9,000). See the Al Riaz Burqi Madhani.