Creating a blog was out of the question for a long time for me, as measuring everything in the kitchen was like biting into an eggshell. I enjoy cooking and don’t want to waste even a slightest bit of enjoyment in that small world of mine. But little did I know that everything will change, when my husband came home with the Oscar nominated film ‘Julie and Julia’( a real life story) where Julie Powell (part played by Amy Adams) challenged herself to make all the 524 recipes from Julia Child's cook book ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ and blogging all her experiences (The Julie/Julia Project). It was an inspiring movie. A few days later when we were discussing this casually with a friend of ours over tea…everything changed dramatically…..” How about you making at least half of it in one year? Not French but your own. 262 recipes that will inspire others and present it as a blog?” For a minute my mind traveled faster than light… With an experience as a helper in my mother in laws kitchen for 6 years followed by a three year everyday struggle to satisfy the palate of my foodie husband, if I cannot do it then why should I cook? But on the other side with an experience in English literature extending no more than expanding outline stories in English grammar class when I was 18 and two small kids that come in handy at times, will a commitment for the next one year work? Anyway my ‘cook's ego’ didn’t allow me to say no...

So my friends …here I am opening my recipe book, trying to perfect and present 262 recipes in the coming 365 days….A Challenge that will of course tastes good. Come.. Have a walk with me along my journey.. Cheering and inspiring….Forgiving and tolerating…Testing and tasting….for ‘A Tasty Challenge’

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Monday, February 7, 2011

Aval Vilayichathu (Jaggery candied Poha/ Rice Flakes)

Recipe No: 190
I should say, it was very unfortunate for me that I was not able to enjoy a lot of 'Grandmother cooking' that most of the people cherish. But I vaguely remember the taste of my maternal Grandmothers Aval Vilayichathu, which she used to make often. This is my take on that classic snack which will stay good in an airtight container for sometime in your pantry.
Ingredients                                          Serves 8
  • Aval/ Poha………...........2 heaping cups (Brown variety preferred)
  • Grated Coconut………….1 ¾ cup
  • Jaggery……………………..1 ½ Cups (cut into small pieces; dark brown Kerala style preferred)
  • Ghee………………………...1 Tablespoon
  • Cashew Nut Pieces…....3 Tablespoons
  • Raisins…………………....1 Tablespoon
  • Channa Dal……………...1 Tablespoon (Optional)
  • Cardamom……………….8-10 (Crush thoroughly)
  • Dry Ginger Powder…….1/4 Teaspoon
Method of Preparation
  1. Melt Jaggery with half cup of Water on medium high heat and strain it two times to get rid of all the bits n pieces that may present in it. Keep it aside till ready to be used.
  2. Heat Ghee in a pan on medium heat and fry Channa Dal and Cashew Nuts till they start to brown along the edges.
  3. Add Raisins and fry till it plumps up. Remove these from the Ghee and keep it aside till ready to be used.
  4. To the same pan, add the melted and strained Jaggery and on high heat let it boil and reach a one thread consistency, stirring often.
  5. Add the grated Coconut; mix well and let it attain a one thread consistency, stirring often. (The Water from the Coconut will loosen the Jaggery a bit)
  6. Once the consistency is reached, switch off the heat and add Aval, fried Nuts and Raisins, Cardamom Powder and Dry Ginger Powder.
  7. Mix well and let it cool down before serving with Banana.
  8. Keep the leftovers in an airtight container and it will stay good for a long time.
Notes:
  • It’s better to use brown Aval/Poha and dark blackish brown Kerala style Jaggery for better taste.
  • Melted Jaggery, when pressed between your thumb and index finger should form one thread, for a one thread consistency.
  • You shouldn't use the entire amount of Dry Ginger powder mentioned in the recipe if you are using freshly powdered Dry Ginger.
  • It is very important to let all the Water evaporate or it will go rancid fast.
 




Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and 
serve it to your family with love…

7 comments:

Indian Khana said...

This is new for me and looks yum ....nice idea ..and that platter looks so tempting

Padhu Sankar said...

Looks so delicious ! New here .You have a lovely space.
Do drop by
Padhuskitchen
when u find time

Priya Suresh said...

Thats a delicious and tempting poha..

Malar Gandhi said...

Wow, looks superb...never tried this way b'4...lovely.

Sarah Naveen said...

love this..looks so tempting..yummy yumm

Unknown said...

I love this dish .....thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this article, definitely i will try this recipe and its true that jaggery is one of the source of energy and also jaggery has many health benefits, if you want to read follow us at http://www.yabibo.com/7-health-benefits-of-jaggery/

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