Avarekaalu Obbatu Recipe (Sweet Paratha Stuffed with Field Beans)
Sweet and Nutritious Karnataka Special
Avarekaalu Obbatu, also known as Sweet Paratha Stuffed with Field Beans, is a traditional dessert from the beautiful state of Karnataka in South India. Often made during festive occasions or special family gatherings, this dish combines the richness of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom with the earthy taste of field beans (Avarekalu), making it both a delicious and nutritious treat. The soft, sweet, and slightly savory filling wrapped in a warm, golden paratha is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, while its wholesome ingredients make it a great choice for anyone seeking comfort food that doesn’t compromise on taste or health.
Ingredients for Avarekaalu Obbatu
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people. You’ll need a mix of simple, yet flavorful ingredients to create the dough and the filling for this indulgent sweet paratha.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 2 tablespoons |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ghee (for serving) | As required |
| Avarekalu (Lilva Beans) | 1/2 cup |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Jaggery (grated) | 1 cup |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Karnataka (South Indian)
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Avarekaalu Obbatu
Making Avarekaalu Obbatu involves preparing both a dough and a sweet filling. The steps are simple but require a bit of patience to get the perfect texture and taste.
Step 1: Preparing the Field Beans (Avarekalu)
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Begin by soaking the avarekalu (field beans) in water for about 1 hour to soften them. If you’re pressed for time, you can use a pressure cooker. Simply cook the beans until the first whistle, then drain the water. After that, remove the skin from the beans carefully.
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Set the peeled beans aside for the next step.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough for Obbatu
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, semolina (sooji), turmeric powder, and hung curd. Gradually add a little water at a time to form a dough.
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Knead the mixture until you get a firm yet smooth dough. The dough should not be too soft or sticky.
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Once the dough is ready, pour in the sunflower oil and knead it again for a couple of minutes to coat the dough evenly.
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Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes in a cool place. This resting time allows the dough to become more pliable and easier to roll.
Step 3: Preparing the Sweet Filling (Puran)
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In a medium saucepan, cook the chana dal (Bengal gram) with about 1-1/2 cups of water until the dal is soft and fully cooked. Drain any excess water from the dal once it’s cooked.
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In a blender, combine the cooked chana dal and the field beans (avarekalu). Pulse them together into a coarse mixture. Be careful not to blend them too smoothly—this filling should have a slight texture.
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Now, heat a tablespoon of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the grated jaggery and stir until it melts completely and the mixture becomes syrupy.
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Stir in the dal-bean mixture, grated coconut, and cardamom powder to the jaggery syrup. Mix everything together until it’s well-combined.
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Continue stirring the mixture for 10–15 minutes, until it begins to thicken and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This is the sign that your filling (or puran) is ready.
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Turn off the heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Assembling the Avarekaalu Obbatu
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Divide the dough and the puran filling into 12 equal portions.
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Take one portion of dough and roll it into a small ball. Dust it lightly with flour and roll it out into a 3-inch circle.
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Place one portion of the cooled filling in the center of the dough circle. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it completely by pinching the edges together. Ensure there are no open seams.
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Gently flatten the stuffed dough ball, then dust it lightly with flour and roll it out again into a 5-6 inch circle. Be gentle while rolling to avoid spilling the filling.
Step 5: Cooking the Avarekaalu Obbatu
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Preheat a heavy iron skillet or tawa over medium-high heat.
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Once the skillet is hot, place the rolled paratha (obbatu) on it and cook for about 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown spots appear. You can press gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
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Brush the cooked obbatu with ghee on both sides to enhance the flavor and give it a rich, golden finish.
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Repeat the process for the remaining dough and filling portions.
Step 6: Serving the Avarekaalu Obbatu
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Once all the obbatus are cooked, serve them warm with a dollop of ghee on top.
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These sweet parathas make a perfect dessert for any festive occasion or a comforting treat after a long day. The blend of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom will transport you to the heart of Karnataka, and the stuffed parathas are guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sugars | ~12g |
| Calcium | ~30mg |
| Iron | ~2mg |
Tips for Perfecting Your Avarekaalu Obbatu:
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Rest the Dough: Resting the dough before rolling it out helps achieve a smooth, elastic texture. Don’t skip this step!
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Filling Consistency: Ensure that the puran (filling) is thick enough to stay inside the dough while rolling it out. If the filling is too runny, it may spill out while cooking.
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Rolling the Parathas: Be gentle while rolling out the stuffed parathas. Use minimal pressure to avoid rupturing the dough and spilling the filling.
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Add Ghee for Richness: While cooking the obbatus, brush them with ghee for extra flavor and a rich, golden color.
Avarekaalu Obbatu is not just a dessert but a piece of Karnataka’s rich culinary heritage. The combination of flavors and textures, from the soft, warm paratha to the sweet, spiced filling, is a sure way to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special. This recipe is perfect for any celebration, be it a festival or a family gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in the sweet comfort of this traditional treat!
