Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Therattipal Recipe – Coconut & Jaggery Sweet – Kerala Traditional Dessert

Introduction

Oh, Therattipal! Just the name brings back memories of festive seasons back home in Kerala. This sweet, a beautiful blend of coconut and jaggery, was always on my grandmother’s table during Onam. It’s a simple dessert, but packed with flavour and tradition. I’m so excited to share my version with you – it’s surprisingly easy to make, and I promise, utterly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Therattipal recipe is a little slice of Kerala heaven. It’s naturally gluten-free, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in under 40 minutes. Plus, the warm, comforting flavours of coconut and jaggery are just… well, they’re magic! It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends, or simply to treat yourself.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

• 2 cups coconut, grated
• 1 cup jaggery powder (about 200g)
• 1 tablespoon raw rice (about 15g)
• 1 cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon ghee (about 15ml)
• 6-8 cashews

Ingredient Notes

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

Coconut – Fresh vs. Dried & Regional Variations

Fresh coconut is always best for Therattipal. It gives the most beautiful flavour and texture. However, if you can’t get your hands on fresh, unsweetened desiccated coconut works well too. In some parts of Kerala, people also use a mix of both!

Jaggery – Types & Substitutions

Jaggery is unrefined cane sugar, and it’s what gives Therattipal its unique flavour. You can use any type – palm jaggery, cane jaggery, or even powdered jaggery. If you absolutely can’t find jaggery, dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute, but the flavour won’t be quite the same.

Raw Rice – Soaking & Rice Flour Alternative

The raw rice helps bind the Therattipal together. Soaking it for at least an hour softens it, making it easier to blend. Don’t have time to soak? No problem! You can use 2 tablespoons of rice flour instead.

Cardamom – Quality & Aroma

Good quality cardamom makes a huge difference. Look for pods that are plump and fragrant. Lightly crush the pods before adding them to release their aroma.

Ghee – Clarified Butter & Flavor Profile

Ghee adds a lovely richness and nutty flavour. You can make your own, or use store-bought. If you don’t have ghee, you can use unsalted butter, but ghee really is the traditional choice.

Cashews – Roasting for Enhanced Flavor

Roasting the cashews brings out their flavour and adds a nice crunch. Don’t skip this step!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, soak the raw rice in water for at least an hour. This softens it up for blending.
2. Next, in a blender, combine the soaked rice (drained), grated coconut, jaggery powder, cardamom, and about ½ cup (120ml) of water.
3. Blend everything into a smooth, thick paste. You might need to add a little more water if it’s too thick, but go slowly!
4. Now, pour the mixture into a heavy-bottomed pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Keep stirring! This is important to prevent sticking. The mixture will start to thicken.
6. Continue cooking until the mixture becomes non-sticky and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
7. While the Therattipal is cooking, heat the ghee in a small pan. Fry the cashews until they turn golden brown.
8. Once the Therattipal is cooked, mix in the fried cashews.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect Therattipal:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The perfect consistency is key! You want it thick enough to hold its shape, but not so thick that it’s dry.

Preventing Sticking During Cooking

A heavy-bottomed pan and constant stirring are your best friends here. Seriously, don’t walk away from the stove!

Roasting Cashews to Golden Perfection

Keep a close eye on the cashews while they’re roasting. They burn easily! A light golden colour is what you’re aiming for.

Using Rice Flour for a Quicker Recipe

If you’re short on time, using rice flour instead of soaking raw rice is a great shortcut.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on things? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Therattipal

Simply substitute the ghee with coconut oil or any other vegan butter alternative.

Gluten-Free Therattipal (Naturally Gluten-Free)

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your jaggery doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Spice Level Adjustment – Adding More Cardamom

My family loves cardamom, so I often add an extra pod or two. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

Festival Adaptations – Onam & Vishu Special

During Onam and Vishu, I like to serve Therattipal alongside other traditional Kerala dishes like Sadhya. It’s a beautiful addition to the festive spread.

Serving Suggestions

Therattipal is delicious on its own, but it’s also lovely served with a cup of hot chai or coffee. It’s a perfect little treat to enjoy any time of day.

Storage Instructions

You can store Therattipal at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. It might firm up a bit in the fridge, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Therattipal and where does it originate?

Therattipal is a traditional Kerala dessert made with coconut, jaggery, and rice. It’s a beloved sweet treat, especially during festivals like Onam and Vishu.

Can I use store-bought coconut milk instead of fresh coconut?

While you can use coconut milk, the flavour won’t be as rich or authentic. Fresh coconut is really the way to go if you can get it.

What is the best way to prevent Therattipal from sticking to the pan?

A heavy-bottomed pan and constant stirring are essential! Don’t be afraid to scrape the bottom of the pan frequently.

Can I make Therattipal ahead of time?

Yes, you can! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

What is the shelf life of Therattipal at room temperature?

Therattipal will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days.