# Bellam Thalikalu – Vinayaka Chavithi Recipe
Bellam Thalikalu is a beloved delicacy from Andhra Pradesh, customarily made during the celebration of Vinayaka Chavithi, honoring Lord Ganesha. This scrumptious dessert, also referred to as Thalikala Payasam or Kheer, features hand-crafted noodles that are cooked in a fragrant jaggery syrup, resulting in a sweet dish that is both delightful and celebratory.
## What are Thalikalu?
Thalikalu are slender, small noodles crafted from a blend of rice flour, whole wheat flour, and occasionally semolina (sooji). The dough is kneaded and manually shaped, yielding a distinctive texture that soaks up the flavors of the syrup exquisitely. The dish is usually infused with cardamom and adorned with nuts and toasted poppy seeds, enhancing both flavor and visual allure.
## Ingredients
To make Bellam Thalikalu, you’ll require the following ingredients:
### For the Thalikalu (Noodles):
– 1 cup rice flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup semolina (optional)
– Water (as necessary)
– A pinch of salt
### For the Jaggery Syrup:
– 1 cup jaggery (bellam), grated
– 2 cups water
– 2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed
– 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
– A handful of nuts (cashews, almonds) for garnishing
– 1 tablespoon roasted poppy seeds (optional)
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Thalikalu
1. **Make the Dough**: In a mixing bowl, mix the rice flour, whole wheat flour, semolina (if utilizing), and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate water and knead until you achieve a smooth, workable dough.
2. **Shape the Noodles**: Take small amounts of the dough and roll them into thin, elongated noodles. You can either shape them with your fingers or roll them on a flat surface and cut into thin strips.
3. **Dry the Noodles**: Place the formed noodles on a clean cloth or tray and allow them to dry for about 30 minutes.
### Step 2: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
1. **Dissolve Jaggery**: In a saucepan, combine the grated jaggery and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the jaggery has completely dissolved.
2. **Add Flavor**: After the jaggery has dissolved, add the crushed cardamom pods and allow the syrup to simmer for several minutes until it thickens slightly.
### Step 3: Cook the Thalikalu
1. **Cook the Noodles**: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the dried thalikalu and cook until they rise to the surface and become tender (approximately 5-7 minutes).
2. **Combine with Syrup**: Drain the cooked thalikalu and transfer them to the jaggery syrup. Stir gently to mix and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the syrup.
### Step 4: Garnish and Serve
1. **Garnish**: In a small pan, heat ghee and toast the nuts until they turn golden. Mix the toasted nuts and poppy seeds into the thalikalu.
2. **Serve**: Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful offering to Lord Ganesha during Vinayaka Chavithi.
## Conclusion
Bellam Thalikalu represents more than just a dish; it embodies a celebration of culture, tradition, and the joy of cooking. Creating this sweet treat for Vinayaka Chavithi is a beautiful way to pay homage to Lord Ganesha and share the warmth of homemade cuisine with loved ones. Alongside Bellam Thalikalu, you might want to explore other traditional Andhra recipes such as Undrallu, Ammini Kozhukottai, and Kudumulu to craft a festive meal that showcases the vibrant culinary legacy of the region.
For additional recipes and culinary inspiration, check out the links provided above and savor the tastes of Andhra Pradesh during this celebratory season!