getfood: MAAVILAKKU–MAAVILAKKU MAAVU RECIPE

السبت، 16 نوفمبر 2013

MAAVILAKKU–MAAVILAKKU MAAVU RECIPE | KARTHIGAI DEEPAM RECIPES

Maavilakku is a must and should neivedyam recipe in all our households for karthigai deepam.My mom and mil makes different offerings to God for karthigai deepam but offering maavilakku maavu is a common practice for both of them.Not only for karthigai deepam , we make it during tamil month aadi ,thai and purattasi sani.Actually maavilakku maavu(Edible rice flour lamp) has to be made by mixing jaggery with home made wet rice flour. My MIL follows this procedure. But my mom makes it very simple using store bought rice flour. It can be done in minutes.Though i follow my mil’s procedure, i thought of sharing my mom’s easy version first in my blog.I have shared some tips and tricks from my mom to make a perfectly shaped maavilakku without losing its shape.For people who are not able to soak and grind the raw rice, this version would be useful.Do try this easy maavilakku maavu recipe and let me know ur feedback.
I wish u all a very happy karthigai deepam, enjoy the festival of lights Smile

Maavilakku recipe

Maavilakku maavu recipe using store bought rice flour for karthigai deepam.It can be done in minutes.

Cuisine: Indian Category: Sweet Yields: Serves 2

Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Total Time: 10 Minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 cup - 200ml

To make the flour/maavu

Store bought rice flour - 1/2 cup
Grated jaggery – 1/3- 1/2 cup
Ghee – 4 -5 tsp (unmelted,thick ghee)
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp

To make lamp

Thread/thirinool - 1 no
Ghee - 2 tsp(melted)
Kumkum and turmeric - little

METHOD

Take the rice flour and grated jaggery in a mixie jar.Pulse it 3-4 times.Do not grind continuously.But make sure,they are mixed well without any lumps. ( I got this tip from sharmi’s blog, thank u sharmi .)As the rice flour is dry , it will absorb all the water from jaggery.

Remove in a plate. Make a dent and add the thick,unmelted ghee.(The key here is if u use melted ghee,u can shape it easily but later on as the ghee hardens, maavilakku will also become hard.So if u use unmelted ghee, maavilakku will stay soft without losing its shape and taste)Initially add 2 tsp and mix well.Again add one more tsp ,mix well and try to make a ball.If it cracks,add one more tsp.

Make a smooth ball without cracks.Make a small dent in the center for pouring ghee.Seal if any crack appears.( I used overall 4 tsp unmelted ghee)

Apply turmeric and kumkum on all the sides .Put the thread and lit the lamp.Keep a flower nearby and offer to God.

Note

Maavilakku stays good for a week in room temperature.I have seen people keeping it for months by freezing it. When u freeze the dough, bring it to room temperature before u consume.
My mom never use water to make the dough as it reduces the shelf life.If u are concerned about adding ghee , u can add water or milk to make the dough.
Using unmelted ,paste like ghee is more important for maavilakku to hold its shape for long time.
If u add more jaggery , it may leave water and maavilakku will lose its shape.
For making home made wet rice flour,wash and soak the raw rice for 30 minutes.Drain the water and spread it on a paper for few minutes. Remove and powder it nicely.Sieve the flour and proceed as mentioned above.To see the step by step pictures , please click this link.