Aval Puttu Recipe: A Sweet Delight for Krishna Jayanti
Introduction:
Aval Puttu, a traditional South Indian sweet, is a cherished dish often prepared during the Krishna Jayanti festival. Known for its delightful flavors and rich texture, Aval Puttu is made with simple ingredients such as flattened rice (poha), jaggery, coconut, and ghee. This easy-to-make recipe brings together a perfect balance of sweetness, aromatic spices, and a touch of crunch from cashews. Whether you’re celebrating the festival or just craving a comforting snack, Aval Puttu makes for an excellent vegetarian dessert that can be enjoyed for up to 2-3 days.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poha (Flattened Rice) | 2 cups |
| Jaggery (Powdered) | 2 cups |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut (Grated) | 3-4 teaspoons |
| Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Cashew Nuts (Chopped) | As required |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Allergen Information:
- Contains nuts (cashews): This recipe includes cashew nuts, which are a common allergen. Ensure that no one with a nut allergy consumes this dish.
- Dairy: Ghee, which is made from clarified butter, is used in this recipe. This may not be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe adheres to vegetarian dietary preferences.
- Gluten-Free: Since it uses poha (flattened rice), which is naturally gluten-free, it can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Jaggery is used instead of refined sugar, making it a healthier alternative while maintaining the authentic sweetness of the dish.
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Poha:
Begin by grinding the poha (flattened rice) in a mixer grinder to create a coarse powder. This helps in achieving the right texture for Aval Puttu. -
Moisten the Poha:
In a large bowl, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of water over the ground poha. Gently mix it with your hands to moisten the rice without mashing it. Set the poha aside for 10 minutes to absorb the water and soften. -
Prepare the Jaggery Syrup:
In a microwave-safe deep container, place the powdered jaggery and add just enough water to immerse it. Microwave the jaggery for about 2 minutes to dissolve it. After this, filter the jaggery water to remove any impurities. Return the filtered jaggery syrup to the microwave and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until the syrup reaches a thick consistency. -
Fry the Cashews and Coconut:
In a small pan, heat the ghee and fry the chopped cashew nuts until golden brown. Once done, add the grated coconut to the pan and fry for another minute to release its fragrance and flavor. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Add the prepared poha, jaggery syrup, fried coconut, and cashews to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. -
Final Microwave Step:
Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe dish and microwave for another 2 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the Aval Puttu is ready, it can be served hot or at room temperature. It makes a perfect offering for Krishna Jayanti, a festival that celebrates Lord Krishna, or as a sweet snack anytime you want something flavorful and satisfying.
Advice:
- Consistency of Jaggery Syrup: The key to making Aval Puttu is ensuring that the jaggery syrup reaches the right consistency—thick enough to coat the poha but not too runny. The microwave time for the jaggery syrup can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so keep an eye on it to achieve the perfect texture.
- Moistening the Poha: Don’t over-moisten the poha. Just enough water to soften it is sufficient. If it gets too soggy, the texture will be off when mixing it with the jaggery syrup.
- Serving Suggestions: Aval Puttu can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. If you want to add extra flavor, you can garnish it with a little more grated coconut or even drizzle some honey on top before serving.
- Storage: Aval Puttu can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it a great make-ahead treat for any festival or gathering.
Conclusion:
Aval Puttu is a delightful Indian dessert that combines the wholesome goodness of poha, the natural sweetness of jaggery, and the richness of coconut and ghee. This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to celebrate traditional festivals like Krishna Jayanti with family and friends. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it an ideal dish for busy days, and its shelf life of 2-3 days ensures that you can enjoy it throughout the week. Whether you’re offering it as a prasad or indulging in it as a dessert, Aval Puttu is a perfect example of how traditional Indian sweets can offer both flavor and nourishment.
