### Pala Munjalu: Authentic Indian Confections for Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes joy, family reunions, and savoring delightful traditional confections. Among the countless festive delicacies, Pala Munjalu enjoys a distinguished status, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. This exquisite sweet, frequently made during the Diwali celebrations, is adored for its exceptional taste and texture.
#### What is Pala Munjalu?
Pala Munjalu is a deep-fried confection that bears resemblance to another beloved Andhra specialty, Boorelu, but with its own unique twist. While Boorelu consists of a sweet filling covered in a batter of black gram dal and rice, Pala Munjalu showcases a filling called poornam, made of sweetened Bengal gram mixed with cardamom powder, all encased in a dough crafted from rice flour cooked in milk. This yields a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that is both gratifying and luxurious.
#### The Importance of Pala Munjalu
The making of Pala Munjalu often stirs cherished memories, recalling images of grandmothers tenderly preparing these treats in the kitchen. The experience transcends mere cooking; it is about handing down customs and recipes that have been held dear through generations. This sweet is not merely a delight for the taste buds, but a manifestation of love and affection that families exchange during the festive period.
#### Ingredients
To create Pala Munjalu, you will require the following components:
– **For the Filling (Poornam):**
– Bengal gram (chana dal)
– Jaggery (or sugar)
– Cardamom powder
– **For the Outer Dough:**
– Rice flour
– Milk
– Water
– A pinch of salt
#### How to Prepare Pala Munjalu
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
– Soak the Bengal gram in water for several hours and then cook until tender.
– Drain the excess water and mash the cooked Bengal gram.
– In a skillet, combine the mashed gram and jaggery. Cook until the jaggery dissolves and blends well with the gram.
– Stir in the cardamom powder and mix well. Allow cooling before shaping into small balls.
2. **Make the Dough:**
– In a pot, bring milk and water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
– Slowly incorporate the rice flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture forms a pliable dough.
– Let the dough cool slightly, then knead until smooth.
3. **Assemble the Sweets:**
– Take a small piece of the dough and flatten it in your palm.
– Position a ball of the poornam filling in the center and gently fold the dough over to completely encase the filling.
– Shape it into a round ball, ensuring the filling remains sealed inside.
4. **Fry the Sweets:**
– Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
– Once the oil is sufficiently hot, gently add the prepared Pala Munjalu into the oil.
– Fry until they achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
5. **Serve:**
– Let the Pala Munjalu cool a bit before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
#### Conclusion
Pala Munjalu represents more than just a confection; it embodies a celebration of heritage, tradition, and familial ties during Diwali. This delightful delicacy is guaranteed to add sweetness to your festive observances and forge lasting memories with loved ones. Whether creating them for your family or sharing with friends, Pala Munjalu is an essential addition to your Diwali feast.