Rice Laddus/ Ari Unda

There are so many traditional snacks of Kerala and one among them is this ari unda/ Rice laddus which is a simple and an easy sweet which can be prepared in no time. This can be enjoyed when going for long trips, mostly kids will love this. After making these laddus we must keep this in airtight containers in refrigerator or else it turns rancid in just 2- 3 days as fresh coconut is used.

I never heard about this sweet till my SIL was asking my neighbours to bring this from their native. She had it once when she was travelling in train through Kannur, north Malabar region of Kerala. While sitting at home, thinking about Kerala, these things will automatically pop up in mind and so  I thought of giving it a try and was surprised that this requires very less ingredients. My daughter loves this a lot and finishes one after the other, so I hid it from her….

Traditionally this is prepared using parboiled rice, but as I was having sona masoori rice, I used that. Just try this out and I bet you won’t stop eating one or two….

Ingredients:

1. Rice- 2 Cups
2. Grated Coconut- 1 Cup
3. Grated Jaggery- 1 Cup
4. Cardamom Powder- 1 tsp

Method:

1. Wash and drain the rice over a kitchen towel. When the rice is completely drained off, heat a skillet and roast the rice on a low flame till it crackles and changes it colour to light brown.
2. When it is still warm grind to a powder, not fine powder but coarse.
3. In a mixing bowl take grated jaggery, grated coconut and cardamom powder. Mix well with hands.
4. Add the above made rice powder, mix well. Take small portions and roll it into round balls.
5. Enjoy this along with hot tea.