Whenever amma made kalandha sevai (rice vermicelli mixed with coconut or lemon), it was an arduous task. She used to make the processed rice flour, then make a dough with hot water. And then cook them again in boiling water and transfer it to the sevai nazhi (sevai making machine) which was hand-pressed. The arduous task eases down and joy overrides when the strands of sevai fall seamlessly from the sevai nazhi. The long strands of sevai were thoroughly enjoyed when we eat them. A slightly similar comparison will be the noodles that the kids slurp in one go.
The best part is always for the last. After making the sevai, there will be leftover rice dough which will be then rolled into small round balls and cooked gently. Jaggery will be added and crushed cardamom will be sprinkled. Coconut milk will be poured and mixed. And that is the definition of home-made heaven, which is called the pal kozhakattai. The simple and delicious dessert to be eaten after the sumptuous meal of coconut and lemon sevai.
Making pal kozhakattai is like a nostalgic journey into the kitchen of my patti and amma, sitting there next to them in my pavadai sattai (Long skirt and blouse), helping in the pressing of the sevai nazhi, waiting impatiently for the sevai process to be done so that patti will start making pal kozhakattai.
A dish as simple as this reminds me of my patti’s soft hands and the way she will smile at me for making my favourite dish.
A dish that is reminiscent of my petite patti and the way she does magic in the kitchen!
The taste of Pal kozhakattai in my mouth just takes me back to the times when I am still a little girl lying on the lap of my paati – the sweetest part of my childhood!
And here it is paati, this is for you, made by me in my kitchen!
UmaS Reflections 
Uma even I like it very much Babu used to like it very much when he was small and my mom and Patti will do it for him when he used to come for summer holidays to Poonamalle from calcutta I miss those days
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our favorite foods bring back so many memories❤ this looks yum, Uma.
Someday, will taste one.made by you😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yummm! This reminds me of paati always…
Food does take us to different lands, different times!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This reminds me of my granny who used to mix rice,dal and mango pickle and feed us after school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Childhood favorites always evoke nostalgic tastes and smells
And very often, a sentimental tear, in an eye, wells
This particular sweet
With great joy we’ll greet
Thank you, Uma, this, about your sensitivity, a lot, tells!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…writing this post did see a tear
But the strength of patti, in me, made me bear
Writing becomes healing
Words are therapeutic hugging
For it is important to write about things I care!
LikeLiked by 1 person