Chuda Ghasa

I am sharing a very tasty recipe of my state known as Chuda Ghasa--sounds interesting right..yes it is indeed an interesting yet delicious recipe in which chuda(poha),  the flattened rice is used as the main ingredient with ghee, grated coconuts, sugar and raisins...:-)

Here we hav to do a gr8 deal  of physical exercise by our palms(this doing of palm is called as ghasa in oriya)---but the outcome is mouthwatering and heavenly...This recipe is offered as prasad(bhoga) during Ganesh and Saraswati Puja in Orissa..and also offered to Lord Shiva during Shivaratri celebrations at Sri Lokanath Temple, Puri, Orissa...


Ingredients


500 gm Chuda
200 gm Ghee
150 gm Sugar(Powdered)
1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
1 Coconut(grated)
4 Cardamoms (crushed)
2 Small Camphor(Karpoor) Crystals
For Garnishing:-Raisins,  and fruits such as banana, cucumber, apple
(Cut the fruits in to small size)

Method


Dry grind the chuda coarsely and keep it in a big bowl.
Add ghee to it(do not melt the ghee).
Put the same in chuda and mix it by using your palms.
It needs to do thoroughly, so that the ghee melts and smoothens the chuda.
Add sugar powder to it and mix them.
Best way is to take a small amount at a time and mix it by keeping the same in between both of your palms.
It takes a minimum of 20-30minutes to get a perfect consistency.
Now add grated coconut,pepper powder and crushed cardaamom.
Mix again for 10 more minutes.

At this point the moisture from the coconut would further soften the chuda, but it won't soak it.
Now add the ingredients for garnishing..
Chuda Ghasa is ready to serve...enjoy..:-)