Paal Thalikalu is a traditional dessert from Andhra Pradesh, especially prepared during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Made with rice flour and milk, this delicious dish is a favorite offering to Lord Ganesha. Here's how you can prepare this delightful dessert at home.
Ingredients for Paal Thalikalu:
Rice Flour: 1 cup
Water: 1 Ā½ cups
Milk: 4 cups
Jaggery (grated) or Sugar: 1 cup
Cardamom Powder: Ā½ teaspoon
Ghee: 4 tablespoons
Cashew Nuts: 10-12
Raisins: 10-12
Almonds: 12
Salt: A pinch
Preparation Method:
Prepare the Dough: Start by heating a thick-bottomed vessel on the stove and add 1 Ā½ cups of water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Gradually add rice flour to the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the rice flour on low heat until all the water is absorbed. Add 2 tablespoons of ghee and a little sugar, and mix well. Allow the rice flour mixture to cool slightly. Once cooled, place the rice flour dough on a plate and knead it well. Roll the dough into long, thin strands (thalikalu). š¾
Cook the Thalikalu in Milk: In another pot, add 4 cups of milk and bring it to a boil. Add the rice flour strands (thalikalu) to the boiling milk. Reduce the heat and let them cook for about 20 minutes until they become soft. š„
Add Jaggery or Sugar: Once the thalikalu are soft, add grated jaggery or sugar to the milk and stir gently until it melts completely. Be careful not to break the thalikalu while stirring. Continue to cook for a little while longer and then add cardamom powder for flavor. š°
Prepare the Garnishing: In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Fry the cashew nuts, raisins, and almonds until golden brown. Add these fried dry fruits along with the ghee to the paal thalikalu. šæ
Your special Paal ThalikaluĀ is now ready to be offered as naivedyam to Lord Ganesha! After the puja, share this delicious prasadam with your family and friends. šš
