Puli Mittai
Ingredients
- 125 gram Tamarind/ Puli
- 150 gram Jaggery/ Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Chilly powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- 1 Puli Mittai, also known as Imli Candy or Tamarind Candy, is a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories for many, and the best part is that it's incredibly easy to prepare at home.
- 2
To begin, soak a handful of tamarind in hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes; once it softens, squeeze it thoroughly to extract the pulp and strain it if needed—set this tamarind extract aside for later use.- 3
In a heavy-bottomed pan, add jaggery or sugar along with a little water and heat it until the jaggery or sugar completely melts, forming a smooth syrup.- 4
If you're using jaggery, it's important to strain the syrup once it melts to remove any impurities, while if you're using sugar, make sure to cook it just until it reaches a “single thread” consistency.- 5
Once the syrup begins to slightly thicken, add the prepared tamarind extract into it and mix well, letting the sweet and sour flavors come together.- 6
Now add chilli powder, cumin powder, and a pinch of salt, stirring the mixture continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.- 7
Keep cooking the mixture on a low flame until it starts leaving the sides of the pan and forms a sticky mass—this is your cue to turn off the heat.- 8
Allow the mixture to cool down completely, and once it is cool enough to handle, roll it into small balls using your hands.- 9
To finish, roll each tamarind ball in powdered sugar to prevent sticking and add a nice final touch; you can also shape them into lollipops or classic candies—just follow whatever the child inside you desires. - 2
