Ukkarai is our traditionl sweet dish usually prepared on the day of Diwali. It is a tradition to make many different sweets and snacks for Diwali and this sweet is usually done in addition to all or if no sweets and snacks has been prepared for the festival. My grandma says that this compensates to all. Learnt it from grandma to make it in a simpler and easiest way.
Channa Dhal/Kadalai Paruppu – 1 cup
Jaggery/ Vellam – 3/4 to 1 cup scraped
Cardamom powder – a pinch
Ghee – 3 tbsp
Cashew – few pieces fried in ghee
Wash and cook channa dhal in enough water for just immersing for 3 whistles. Remove, drain water and cool. Next grind them in a dry mixer/blender to a soft powder consistency.
Heat a pan and add jaggery with just 2 or 3 tbsp of water. Once it is melted add the channa dhal paste/pwder and keep stirring till it is mixed well. Add ghee and cardamom powder and mix well. Just before removing add fried cashewnuts – mix well. ( Alternately can heat pan add ghee , fry cashews and keep it aside. To the same add jaggery and follow the procedure).
This recipe from my blog was selected by Indus ladies forum to publish as an E book with title 100 Diwali Sweets