Pootharekulu Recipe | Rice Paper Dessert From Andhra

Pootharekulu, also known as Pootha Rekulu, is a popular and traditional Andhra sweet delicacy from India. These paper-thin and translucent sweets are made from rice starch, sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and cardamom powder. Pootharekulu are known for their delicate appearance and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Here's a  recipe for making Pootharekulu:

Ingredients of Pootharekulu:

For the Rice Batter:

• 1 cup of rice flour
• 1/4 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup of water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder

Instructions of making Pootharekulu:

1. Prepare the Rice Batter:

• In a mixing bowl, add the rice flour.
• Heat 1/4 cup of ghee in a small pan until it melts.
• Pour the melted ghee over the rice flour and mix it well to form a crumbly texture.

2. Prepare the Sugar Filling:

• In a separate pan, heat 1/2 cup of ghee until it melts.
• Add the sugar and cardamom powder to the melted ghee.
• Stir the mixture continuously on medium heat until the sugar completely melts and the mixture thickens slightly. It should resemble a sticky syrup.

3. Combine the Rice Batter and Filling:

• Pour the prepared sugar filling into the rice batter.
• Mix well until the sugar filling is evenly distributed throughout the rice batter.

4. Make the Pootharekulu:

• Heat a non-stick pan or a flat griddle (tava) on low heat.
• Place a clean cotton cloth or a muslin cloth over the tava to create a flat surface.
• Take a small amount of the rice batter and place it in the center of the cloth.
• Gently spread and flatten the batter into a thin, round sheet using your fingers. Be very gentle to avoid tearing the sheet. The sheet should be as thin as possible.

5. Allow the Pootharekulu to Cool:

• Once you've spread the rice batter into a thin sheet, let it cool and harden for a few minutes.

6. Carefully Remove and Fold:

• After the Pootharekulu have cooled and hardened, gently peel them off the cloth one by one.
• Fold each Pootharekulu like a rectangular or cylindrical roll. Be gentle to avoid breaking them.

7. Serve Pootharekulu:

• Your Pootharekulu are ready to be served. They should have a crispy, paper-thin outer layer and a sweet, fragrant filling.

Pootharekulu are a delightful sweet treat often prepared during festivals, weddings, and special occasions in Andhra Pradesh. Enjoy the unique and delicate flavor of these traditional Indian sweets!

Country of origin- India

State- Andhra Pradesh