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Kovilpatti kadalai mittai

AI-drafted · awaiting admin review

A crunchy peanut and jaggery candy from Kovilpatti, which holds a GI tag.

Region: Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi districtOccasion: Snack; sold at bus stands, fairs and shopsTime: 30 minServes: About 20 piecesVegan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanuts, roasted and skinned, halved
  • ¾ cup grated jaggery
  • 2 tbsp water
  • A pinch of dry ginger powder or cardamom
  • 1 tsp oil to grease

Method

  1. Grease a flat plate or board and a rolling pin.
  2. Melt the jaggery with the water and boil until it reaches the hard-crack stage (a drop in cold water snaps).
  3. Add the dry ginger or cardamom and the peanuts and mix quickly.
  4. Pour onto the greased surface and roll out to about ½-cm thickness.
  5. Cut into squares while warm and break apart when cool.

History

Kovilpatti's peanut candy is made with local groundnuts and jaggery, and the Kovilpatti kadalai mittai has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Significance

Many small family units in Kovilpatti make and sell it, and it is a cheap, nourishing snack for children and travellers.

Sources