Varai Mithai Recipe

Varai Mithai, also known as Varagu Mithai or Kodo Millet Sweet, is a delicious and healthy Indian dessert made with millets. Here's a recipe to make Varai Mithai:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup varagu (kodo millet)

- 1 cup grated jaggery

- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)

- 1/4 cup grated coconut

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)

- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the varagu (kodo millet) thoroughly and soak it in water for about 2 hours. After soaking, drain the water and keep the millets aside.

2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and roast the drained varagu (kodo millet) on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even roasting.

3. Transfer the roasted varagu to a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups of water to the cooker and cook the millets until they are soft and cooked. It usually takes around 3-4 whistles on medium heat. Once cooked, allow the pressure to release naturally.

4. In a separate pan, heat the remaining ghee and add the chopped nuts. Roast the nuts until they turn golden brown. Remove the nuts from the pan and set them aside.

5. In the same pan, add the grated coconut and roast it until it turns slightly golden and aromatic. Remove the coconut from the pan and set it aside.

6. Take the cooked varagu (kodo millet) in a wide pan or kadai. Add grated jaggery to it and cook on medium heat. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and combines well with the millets.

7. Once the jaggery is well incorporated, add the roasted nuts, grated coconut, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using). Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once it is cool enough to handle, grease your hands with ghee and shape the mixture into small balls or desired shapes.

9. Place the Varai Mithai on a plate or a tray and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to be served.

Varai Mithai is a delightful and nutritious sweet that you can enjoy as a snack or serve on special occasions. Store the mithai in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Note: You can adjust the quantity of jaggery according to your taste preferences. You can also add other dry fruits or seeds like raisins, sunflower seeds, etc., for added flavor and texture.