Dudhauri (Jharkhand Special Recipe) – A Traditional Indian Dessert
Introduction
Dudhauri is a delightful and traditional dessert from the state of Jharkhand, India, that features a perfect blend of rice, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices. This dessert is a wonderful treat often enjoyed after meals, making it a perfect choice for any festive occasion or special gathering. With its soft, golden-brown rice balls soaked in sweet syrup and flavored with cardamom, Dudhauri is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to explore regional Indian desserts. This recipe is both simple and rich in flavor, offering a delicious conclusion to a hearty meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full-fat milk | 1 liter |
| Rice (soaked) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cardamom powder | 1/4 tsp |
| All-purpose flour (maida) | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | A pinch |
| Ghee or oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 45g
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Milk
Start by heating a heavy-bottomed pan or wok (kadhai) and add 1 liter of full-fat milk. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and continue simmering.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Add the soaked rice to the boiling milk. Cook the rice in the milk until it becomes soft and the mixture thickens, absorbing the milk’s richness. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the pan. This should take about 15β20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
While the rice is cooking, prepare the sugar syrup in a separate pan. Combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water in a pan and place it on low heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the syrup to simmer for about 10β15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Turn off the heat once the syrup reaches a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Make the Dough for Laddus
Once the rice mixture has thickened and the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour (maida) and baking powder. Add this dry mixture to the rice and milk, kneading it into a soft dough. If needed, you can use a mixer to help combine the ingredients smoothly. Once the dough is ready, shape it into small, round balls (laddus).
Step 5: Fry the Laddus
Heat ghee or oil in a frying pan over low to medium heat. Carefully fry the rice laddus in batches, turning them gently to achieve a golden brown color on all sides. Frying at a low temperature ensures that the laddus cook evenly without burning. Once golden and crispy, remove the laddus from the oil and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Soak the Laddus in Sugar Syrup
Place the fried laddus in the prepared sugar syrup. Allow them to soak for about 5 minutes, letting the syrup penetrate the laddus and infuse them with sweetness.
Step 7: Final Touch
Add 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder to the syrup, mixing it well. This will impart a lovely aromatic flavor to the dessert. Stir gently to make sure the cardamom flavor is evenly distributed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the laddus soak for at least an hour so that they absorb the syrup thoroughly. Once soaked, serve the Dudhauri warm or at room temperature. This dessert can be enjoyed after meals or served as a special treat during festivals or family gatherings.
Tips and Variations
- Flavored Dudhauri: You can add saffron strands to the milk while cooking for an added rich flavor and color.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: For extra texture, you can add chopped cashews, almonds, or raisins to the rice mixture before shaping the laddus.
- Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, substitute full-fat milk with coconut milk or almond milk and use oil instead of ghee.
Serving Suggestions
Dudhauri is best enjoyed as a dessert after a traditional Indian meal, especially during dinner. It is rich and flavorful, making it a perfect treat for the festive season or any special occasion.
Conclusion
Dudhauri is an exceptional dessert that showcases the simplicity yet depth of Indian regional cooking. The combination of milk, rice, sugar syrup, and cardamom creates a beautiful symphony of flavors, and when served warm, itβs simply irresistible. Try this recipe and bring a taste of Jharkhand to your table!
