Aval Urundai

Aval, known as flattened or beaten rice, is a pantry staple in many Indian households and is most commonly eaten for breakfast. It’s typically prepped by soaking and draining the flakes, then mixing them with a little salt, grated coconut, sugar, and mashed bananas for a quick and filling start to the day. Though I wasn’t fond of anything made with aval when I was younger, this humble ingredient has gradually found its way into my kitchen, mainly because of how convenient and versatile it is. In this sweet snack version, aval is combined with jaggery and freshly grated coconut to create a chewy, slightly crunchy treat with deep, earthy notes of sweetness. It’s not your typical evening snack, but more of a wholesome sweet that comes together quickly and satisfies sugar cravings without being overly indulgent.

There’s no actual childhood nostalgia tied to this dish for me, but I do remember preparing it with my little one for a school activity on healthy snacks. This is the moment that made me appreciate how fuss-free and nourishing it is. While it may not be part of a regular weekly menu, it’s definitely something I turn to every now and then when I want to make something simple, sweet, and homemade. Credits to mom for the idea, of course!