5-Minute Sweet Beaten Rice / Bajil Bella Tarai
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Looking for easy breakfast ideas? This sweet beaten rice dish (bajil bella tarai or sweet aval / attukulu), made from flattened rice, jaggery, and coconut, will not disappoint. It is a delightful no-cook breakfast dish that comes together in 5 minutes.
If you haven’t heard of this Mangalorean sweet dish before, bajil bella tarai is made by mixing together poha (bajil), jaggery (bella), and grated coconut (tarai). Ghee, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt are then added to amplify the flavor.
The end result is a slightly chewy and filling dish that will satisfy any early morning or afternoon sweet cravings – thanks to the jaggery.
It is not only a popular breakfast/snack dish in Mangalore, but other parts of Southern India also have their own versions called sweet aval, or attukulu.
How to make bajil bella tarai recipe in 5 minutes
My mom and grandmom used freshly grated coconut and jaggery, which took about 15-20 minutes. Thankfully for us, we not only get frozen coconut but also powdered jaggery in Indian stores which makes putting together this recipe a breeze.
You just have to gather the ingredients and mix them – it is that easy!
If you are looking for South Indian breakfast recipes, I have a few family favorites that I am sure you’ll love –
- Lemon vermicelli -This delicious and tangy Semiya Upma (Lemon Vermicelli) is just what you need to start your day. It is filling and comes together in 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Buttermilk dosa – Buttermilk dosa – Delicious and soft, this dosa is perfect for breakfast, snacks, and even lunch. Learn how to make it in a few easy steps.
- Kapparutti – Kappa rutti or Kappa rotti – This soft in the center and crispy on the sides 4-ingredient dosa or pancake from Mangalore is a culinary delight. Try it out today – no fermentation required!
- Restaurant-Style Rava Upma – If you are looking for a South Indian rava upma recipe that is soft, moist, and melts in your mouth just like the ones served in Udupi restaurants, then check out this recipe.
- Non-Sticky Sabudana Khichdi – This step-by-step recipe will show you how to make sabudana khichdi that looks as great as it tastes. No more clumpy or sticky mess!
Sweet Beaten Rice / Bajil Bella Tarai
Ingredients
- 4 cups thin poha
- 1 cup grated coconut fresh or frozen
- ½ cup jaggery grated
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder optional
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Sprinkle water on the thin poha to soften it. Mix well so that it is evenly moist. Note – Don't soak it in water, we want the poha to have some crunch to it.
- If using frozen coconut, microwave it for about 30 seconds to thaw it completely.
- To a bowl, add powdered jaggery, grated coconut, salt, and cardamom powder. (if using) Mix well.
- Add poha along with ghee and sesame seeds (if using) and mix well using hands (preferably) or a spoon to combine the mixture.
- Serve and enjoy with a glass of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Use thin poha for this recipe. You can use it as is but I prefer to make it a little softer but sprinkling water on it or giving it a quick rinse.
- If thick poha is all you have then give it a good rinse to soften it.
- Don’t forget the salt, it makes the flavors all come together.
- Heat ghee in a tadka pan kept over medium heat and add mustard seeds.
- When it starts to crackle, add curry leaves and turn off the gas in about 10 seconds.
- Add this tempering to the prepared poha, jaggery and coconut mixture along with 2 teaspoons of Kundapur masala powder and mix well.
Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.
Nutrition
This post was first published on April 4, 2014, and completely updated with pictures and text on June 14, 2020.
