What is Aval or Poha?
Flattened Rice / Aval /Poha has many health benefits. Flattened rice is rice which is flattened into flat, light, dry flakes originating from the Indian subcontinent. Some of the benefits are:- Good for people who are allergic to Wheat
- Rich in Vitamin B, Carbs and Protein
- Good source of Instant energy
- Helps to keep us energized and reduces food cravings
- Regularly used in Traditional breakfast in India
- Compared to Polished white rice Flattened Rice is less processed and light in terms of cooking and digestion.
Some Insights into the Navratri Festival:
Navaratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year during Autumn.In the eastern and northeastern states of India, the Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri. In the South we pray to Goddess Durga. In the north Ram leela is celebrated .In Karnataka /Tamil Nadu decorated dolls or Golu are placed at homes and people exchange coconuts, clothes and sweets among themselves. Dusherra is very grandly celebrated in Mysore every year by the Maharaja of Mysore. It is basically victory of Good over Evil. For me Navratri has many fond memories associated with it.What is the 94th HWCG Theme?
This fortnight we have chosen a general theme as Navratri is fast approaching .We want our readers to have some great recipes to cook during this period. Our theme is #NavratriFastingRecipesAtHW .Do check this space for all the amazing recipes from my fellow bloggers.- Custard Apple Kheer by Jayashree
- Rajgira Flour Halwa by Shalu
- Lauki Raita by Swaty
- Foxnut Coconut Laddoo by Sasmita
- Sundal Podi by Nam’s Corner
- Dahi Sabudana by Poonam
Ingredients:
- Flattened Rice / Aval / Poha: Main Ingredient of this dish.Rich in nutrients and easily Digestible.
- Ghee: One of the must have ingredient to add flavor and taste to this dish
- Sugar :Helps to sweeten the dish
- Saffron Strands: Adds nice flavor and color to the sheera
- Cashews: To Garnish
- Raisins:To Garnish
- Water : To cook the flattened rice
- Milk: This is optional .It enhances the taste.
Recipe for Aval Kesari / Poha Sheera:
- Author: Preethi Prasad
- Prep Time : 5 Mins
- Cook Time : 15 Mins
- Total Time : 20 mins
- Course : Dessert / Festive Special
- Cuisine : South Indian
- Serves : 3
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Flattened Rice / Aval / Poha
- Few Saffron Strands
- 7 Cashews
- 8 Raisins
- 3 Tbsp Ghee
- 1 Tbsp Milk
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 Tsp Cardamom Powder
Method:
- Heat a tsp Ghee in a wide bottom pan. Roast the cashews and raisins until golden brown. Remove and keep them aside.
- In the same pan roast the flattened rice / aval /poha until it slightly turns color and ensure not to burn.
- Pulse the roasted aval to a coarse powder. Keep it aside
- Soak saffron strands in milk for 5-7 minutes and keep it aside
- In the same pan add water and bring it to boil.
- Once the water starts to boil add the coarse aval and mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
- Mixture will start to thicken and all the water is absorbed.
- Now add sugar , cardamom powder and soaked saffron and keep stirring continuously.
- Keep the flame low. Now add the balance ghee untill the mixture becomes a whole mass without sticking to the sides of the pan.
- Turn of the heat.
- Garnish with roasted cashews and raisins.
- Aval Kesari is ready to serve.
- You may use thick or thin Variety of flattened rice. Reduce the water to half when using thin variety
- You may substitute with red aval instead of white variety.
- Do not reduce the quantity of ghee
- You can replace jaggery with Sugar.
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Aval Kesari is anew dish to me. Never thought of making halwa with poha . Looks absolutely delectable !
Halwa with Poha sounds very interesting and as you said a good option for those who are allergic to gluten.. I think I will give it a try as it looks so delicious
We love aval kesari and this looks too tempting and delicious Preethi. Love the natural addition of saffron for the color.
I have made payasam with aval but never made kesari. It looks good and ideal for those who are on a gluten-free diet.
Hey this I must try. I make aval sakkarapongal which is more or less the same but without grinding poha . One easy prasadam for Navratri
I have never tried making any sweet with aval. Kesari looks delicious. I will try it sometime soon.
Poha halwa is totally new for me. We eat doodh chura or dahi chura.
This looks so inviting. Let me try it once.
I would have never thought of using aval or flatten rice for a halwa. An innovative and delicious looking Aval Kesari.
This looks amazing. I have never had this before.. will try it
The poha halwa look simply irresistible Preethi ! So beautiful color of kesari, tempting and delicious share !
Aval kesari looks delicious and loved that natural colour from saffron. Delicious share for the festive season.
Halwa with Poha sounds so awesome. Looks super delicious too. Wonderful share.
poha halwa looks delicious di. Also it is so simple and quick to make in festive time !