The cycle of womanhood comes with many trials and challenges. From the onset of puberty, through pregnancy and then through menopause the body evolves and grows in unique ways. As such, it’s important to factor these issues into a diet that works with the system and accounts for them. But in Chennai’s Kalimesu district, they’ve created a cure-all.
Ulundhu Kali is a traditional South Indian sweet rich in protein and dietary fibre. It’s made from whole black urad dal, raw rice, gingelly oil and palm jaggery. Historically it’s made in the home when a girl hits puberty but can be consumed by any age, although very young children might find it a bit heavy on the stomach.
It’s a preferred recipe for girls and women as it’s meant to strengthen the bones with its rich store of calcium. Gingelly oil is also thought to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and improve the quality of skin, hair and teeth. These sweets are often made for women after childbirth to restore their strength and aid lactation.
Although it’s more often consumed for its health benefits than for its taste, you can always add some pure ghee and nuts to the mixture to improve the flavour and make it easier to eat. White Urad Dal can also be substituted for black dal if you don’t have any on hand, it just has a lower fibre content.
Ingredients
- ½ cup black urad dal
- 1 tablespoon raw rice
- ¼ cup Jaggery
- 3 tablespoon gingelly oil
Method
- In a dry pan roast the black urad dal until toasted.
- Add in the rice and continue roasting until the grains are slightly golden.
- In a grinder add the dal and rice, let it cool and then grind to a fine powder.
- In a pan add the jaggery with a couple of spoons of water.
- Once it comes to a boil, add the dal and rice powder.
- Switch off the heat and whisk vigorously until smooth.
- Add ¼ cup more water and mix well.
- Return the pan to a low heat and continue storring, add more water if necessary.
- Add the oil one spoon at a time till the mixture is smooth and loses its stickiness.
- When it’s cooled down, shape them into balls and allow them to set.
