Aval Poha Recipe – Traditional Indian Flattened Rice Dessert with Cashews & Cardamom

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Aval Poha Recipe – Traditional Indian Flattened Rice Dessert with Cashews & Cardamom

Introduction

Oh, Aval Poha! This dish just screams comfort food to me. It’s one of those recipes my grandmother used to make, and the aroma always filled the house with such warmth. It’s a simple, sweet, and incredibly satisfying dessert made with flattened rice, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Indian flavors, or just a cozy treat, you absolutely have to try this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Aval Poha isn’t just delicious; it’s also wonderfully versatile. It’s perfect for festive occasions, a quick weeknight dessert, or even a comforting breakfast. Plus, it comes together in under 40 minutes – seriously! The combination of the soft, milky poha with the crunchy cashews and sweet raisins is just heavenly. You’ll love how easily it satisfies your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Aval Poha:

• 1 tablespoon Ghee
• 1 cup Aval/Poha/Flattened Rice Flakes (about 150g)
• 15 Raisins
• 15 Cashews
• 2 cups Water (480ml)
• 2.25 cups Milk (540ml)
• 7 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (about 200g)
• 2 Cardamom pods

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

Aval/Poha Varieties

There are different types of aval available. The medium or thick variety works best for this recipe, as it holds its shape well. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.

Ghee – The Flavor Base

Ghee is clarified butter and adds a beautiful nutty flavor. If you don’t have ghee, you can substitute with butter, but ghee really elevates the taste.

Cardamom – Aromatic Spice

Freshly crushed cardamom is key. It adds such a lovely fragrance. Don’t skimp on this!

Cashews & Raisins – Texture & Sweetness

Roasting the cashews and raisins brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. Don’t rush this step!

Milk & Condensed Milk – Creaminess & Sweetness

Full-fat milk gives the richest flavor, but you can use lower-fat milk if you prefer. The condensed milk adds sweetness and helps create that creamy texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the cashews and roast them until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
2. Next, add the raisins to the same pot and roast them until they plump up – they’ll look nice and swollen. Once roasted, remove both the cashews and raisins and set them aside.
3. Now, add the washed aval (flattened rice flakes) to the pot and roast for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. You want them to be lightly colored, but not browned.
4. Pour in the water and cook the aval for another 5 minutes, until it softens. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Pour in the milk and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
6. Stir in the condensed milk and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly. This is where it gets really creamy!
7. Finally, crush the cardamom pods and add them to the mixture along with the roasted cashews and raisins. Mix everything well.
8. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra nuts if you like.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pot when roasting the cashews and raisins. Roast them in batches if necessary.
• Washing the aval briefly helps remove any dust and makes it softer.
• Stirring frequently is important to prevent the aval from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Variations

• Saffron Infusion: My friend Priya adds a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk for a beautiful color and aroma. It’s divine!
• Coconut Flakes: A sprinkle of shredded coconut adds a lovely texture and flavor.
• More Spice: If you like a bit more warmth, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg along with the cardamom.

Vegan Adaptation

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil and use plant-based condensed milk and milk (almond or soy work well!).

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Spice Level Adjustment

This recipe is very mildly spiced. Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny bit of ginger powder if you prefer a warmer flavor profile.

Festival Adaptations (Onam, Diwali)

Aval Poha is a popular dessert during Onam and Diwali in India. It’s often made in larger quantities and shared with family and friends.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or chilled. It’s delicious on its own, or you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Aval Poha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What is Aval/Poha and where can I find it?

Aval, also known as Poha, is flattened rice. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, and increasingly in the international aisle of larger supermarkets.

Can I use brown rice poha for a healthier version?

You can! Brown rice poha will give a slightly nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. It might require a little extra cooking time.

How can I adjust the sweetness level in this recipe?

Start with a little less condensed milk and add more to taste. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar if needed.

What is the best way to roast the aval to prevent it from becoming too crispy?

Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly. You want it lightly colored, not browned.

Can this be made ahead of time and reheated?

Yes, absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Just reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.