Aval Vilayichathu/ Sweetened Flat Rice with Jaggery

Aval Vilayichathu/ Sweetened Flat Rice with Jaggery

Aval Vilayichathu/ Varattiyathu is a traditional old fashioned recipe with authentic flavors of Kerala. It is both easy and inexpensive. This snack is one of the most common snacks made in many homes in Kerala and passed down from generation to generation. At home in Kerala, my mom and granny often made these in the afternoon, so we can enjoy them as a snack at tea time. This snack evokes real nostalgia for simple village life. It is deliciously simple- a taste that lingers in your memory.

In this recipe, aval or flat rice is, sweetened with jaggery and enriched with the flavors of ghee, cardamom, dry ginger, and coconut. It is slightly crunchy and chewy because of the jaggery. It also has the intense coconut flavor- I mean lots of coconut and tropical flavors! This is a versatile recipe. Reduce the amount of sweetness, it will transform itself into an interesting fun breakfast. It is also my choice when I want a quick dessert, not overly sweet, but the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your sweet cravings. It is so addictive!

Did I tell you this easy snack can be prepared stored for weeks? Well, that is the beauty of this humble snack. It comes in handy whenever you have a guest or need a quick snack. It is a healthy snack option, easy to prepare, low calorie, nutritious and filling. Children would love this healthy snack. Give this recipe a try, you will surely love it! You're in for a treat!

List of ingredients used to make Aval Vilayichathu
Aval/beaten rice or poha is dry rice flakes or flat rice. It is great for snacking or for a quick breakfast or to make puddings. Rice is a staple in India.Rice is parboiled before flattening to make aval. It is a good item to stock up in your pantry and there are so many recipes out there with beaten rice. It is a vegan, low calorie, healthy snack option. Some studies show that it has probiotics and is rich in iron.
Jaggery is the sweetener used for this recipe. It is unrefined sugar from sugar cane or palm sap and has a rich taste of molasses. If you cannot find jaggery or palm sugar, you can substitute with brown sugar
The recipe calls for freshly grated coconut. It adds a sweet crunch to every bite. You can use frozen grated coconut.It has the enticing flavors of  Ghee, cardamom, the dry ginger powder.  Ginger dry powder is optional, it has a spice kick and adds depth of flavor. You can also add raisins, sesame seeds or nuts of your choice.

 Recipe for Aval Vilayichathu/ varattiyathu

Cooking time- 25 minutes
Recipe type- snack
Cuisine- Kerala/ Indian

Ingredients
Poha or aval - 3 cup
Jaggery- powdered- 1 1/2
Shredded coconut- 1 1/2 cup
Roasted cashew nuts- a few
Raisins- 15
Cardamon powder- 1/2 tsp
Dry ginger powder- 1/8 tsp
Ghee- 3-4 tsp

In a pan boil jaggery along with one cups of water till the jaggery dissolves and switch off the flame. Strain to remove any impurities.
Heat half of the ghee in a pan. Add cashew nuts, raisins and fry till golden. Set it aside for later use.
Pour jaggery syrup into the pan and allow to simmer reduce and to attain a two-thread consistency. Add in the coconut, cardamom powder, and dry ginger powder. You will notice that it will again become a bit watery. Stir in between and when it thickens or reaches a gel consistency add flatten rice. Finally, add aval and mix quickly till it is evenly coated with the jaggery mixture. Add the fried cashew nuts, raisins, and the ghee/clarified butter. Transfer into a greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Allow it to cool. When it cools down completely store this is tight containers. Serve with tea.

Here another version with sesame seeds,black raisins and peanuts.

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Quick and easy Banana Semolina Fritters

Try this easy snack...

Hope you will all enjoy!