The first sweet which comes to mind before starting any happy occasion is Theratti Pal. Be it an engagement or a wedding, a baby shower or the first birth day of a baby, or an upanayanam (thread ceremony), Theratti Pal is the first sweet to be prepared amidst great merriment. When the groom’s party arrives for the wedding, the bride’s mother welcomes them by handing over Theratti Pal to the groom’s mother. This is an age old custom. Theratti Pal plays an integral part in weaving and bonding relationships old and new. This sweet is prepared only with whole milk and sugar. Here is Theratti Pal for a happy bonding. This is sent with best wishes and many happy returns for Aparna's blog birthday. Sweet Celebrations are on at My Diverse Kitchen!
INGREDIENTS:Whole full cream milk – 4 cups (1 litre)
Sugar – 1 cup (250 gms)
METHOD:
1. Choose a large wide mouthed thick bottomed wide vessel, as it should sustain boiling milk, without overflowing.
2. Bring milk to a boil.
3.Once it starts boiling, reduce heat to prevent overflow, stirr and continue boiling.
4. Keep stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5. The milk will reduce considerably, and after about 30 minutes, it will become thick and slushy. 6. At this point add the sugar and continue to cook and stir. In another 15 minutes or so the the Theratti Pal leaves the sides of the vessel and come together with a coarse consistency.
The sweet gets its reddish colour due to evaporation of the milk, and slight caramelising of the sugar. The whole area gets filled with aroma when stirring this sweet. The lovely flavour of full cream milk, is in itself very pleasant. Hence, the addition of saffron strands or cardamom powder is only optional.
