Paruthi Paal

The street food scene in Madurai has some unique dishes that are uncommon in other parts of Tamil Nadu. One such dish is the Paruthi Paal, a nutritious beverage commonly served to guests as a welcome drink. Paruthi Paal, made from cotton seeds is packed with many health benefits that include antioxidant properties, and it is also believed to improve digestion and blood circulation

Recipe Facts

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
20 mins
Category
Veg
Type
Drink

2 cups of cotton seeds (paruthi)
1 cup raw rice
1 cup jaggery
1 tsp dry ginger powder (chukku)
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 cup thick coconut milk

Step 1 – Wash the cotton seeds and rice well and soak them separately in water overnight.

Step 2 – Once soaked, drain the water and grind both the ingredients into a smooth paste.

Step 3 – Strain the milk from this ground paste. Boil the strained milk in a pan for 8 to 10 mins on low flame. Keep stirring until it thickens.

Step 4 – Add jaggery, cardamom and dry ginger powder and mix well.

Step 5 – Mix the coconut milk with the mixture and switch off the flame. Serve hot.

Explore Delicacies

Jigarthanda

Jigarthanda is a much-sought-after roadside drink in Madurai, a beverage that literally translates to “that which cools the heart”. This cooling drink from the city that never sleeps has its similarities with Falooda, though the key differences lie in the ingredients used.

Mutton Chukka

Mutton Chukka is one of the popular dishes from Madurai made of tender goat meat. The word ‘chukka’ means ‘dry’ and the dish is made by cooking the mutton till the water content dries up. It is an authentic recipe made using freshly ground spices with lip-smacking flavours that any meat-lover would kill for. The dish pairs well with any kind of rice, porotta, naan or dosa.

Kari Dosa

The mouth-watering Madurai Kari dosa is the best bet for any meat lover to fall in love with the legendary Madurai cuisine. The three-layered Kari dosa made of a bottom layer of plain dosa, omelette and a top layer of spicy mutton keema (minced mutton) brings out the true local flavours that reward one of the most fulfilling experiences.

Elumbu Roast

Madurai Mutton elumbu (bones) roast is another scrumptious dish from the Pandiya Nadu cuisine that has an unparalleled variety of meat dishes made with the most delectable flavours. Elumbu roast is a rich and flavourful dish where the bones of the mutton are simmered in a spicy gravy and served with piping hot rice or dosas.