Munthiri Kothu (Cashew Bunch) Recipe

Introduction

Munthiri Kothu, a delightful dessert from Tamil Nadu, tantalizes the taste buds with its unique combination of flavors and textures. This traditional sweet treat, often referred to as Cashew Bunch in English, showcases the earthy richness of green moong dal, the natural sweetness of jaggery, and the aromatic allure of cardamom. Perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet ending to a hearty meal, Munthiri Kothu is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth to the table and joy to the heart.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information

Preparation Time

Servings

Cuisine and Course

Diet

Instructions

To commence your culinary adventure with Munthiri Kothu, the first step involves dry roasting the green moong dal over medium heat until it attains a golden brown hue, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once roasted, allow it to cool, and then transfer it to a mixer to grind into a coarse powder. Set this aside to incorporate later.

Next, you’ll want to enhance the flavor profile by dry roasting the grated coconut until it changes color slightly. This step infuses a rich aroma into the coconut, enhancing its natural sweetness.

In a separate pan, combine the jaggery and water, stirring to dissolve the jaggery completely over medium heat. Once the jaggery is fully dissolved, add the cardamom powder and mix well; there is no need to check for any specific syrup consistency at this stage. When the jaggery syrup begins to boil, introduce the powdered green moong dal and the roasted coconut to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly until it is well combined and allows it to cool slightly until it is warm enough to handle.

Once the mixture has cooled to a manageable temperature, take small portions and roll them into balls, setting them aside for the next stage.

While you prepare for frying, heat sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until you achieve a smooth batter that is slightly thinner than dosa batter.

Now, dip each moong dal ball into the prepared batter, ensuring it is well coated on all sides. Carefully drop the coated balls into the hot oil, frying them over medium heat. Turn them frequently, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden color on all sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once fried to perfection, remove the Munthiri Kothu from the oil and place them on kitchen tissues to absorb any excess oil. Serve these delectable treats warm and relish their delightful flavors.

These sweet balls can be enjoyed on their own or paired beautifully with a traditional South Indian meal featuring Mixed Vegetable Sambar, Cabbage Poriyal, and Steamed Rice. Additionally, they stay fresh for about a week when stored at room temperature, making them an excellent option for snacks or desserts throughout the week.

Conclusion

Munthiri Kothu is not merely a dessert; it is a celebration of flavors and tradition. Each bite transports you to the heart of Tamil Nadu, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary heritage of India. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and share the love of cooking with your family and friends!