Loading...
Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, these Assamese rice flour and jaggery fritters are a beloved Bihu festival treat. Their unique shape gives them their quirky name, and the sweet, earthy flavor of jaggery makes them utterly addictive.
Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
Make the Dough
Shape the Poka Mithoi
A dhaba-style classic featuring tender urad dal fried with a fragrant masala of onions, tomatoes, and ginger. This semi-dry lentil dish is hearty, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with hot naan or roti.
A vibrant and energizing Indian-style bowl packed with fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and wholesome seeds in a lightly sweetened, cardamom-infused yogurt base. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or a revitalizing snack, this no-cook recipe is ready in just 10 minutes.
A wholesome and savory porridge made from broken wheat and mixed vegetables. This one-pot meal is a popular, nutritious breakfast or light lunch option across India, ready in under 30 minutes.
A savory and wholesome Indian breakfast made with roasted vermicelli, colorful vegetables, and a fragrant tempering of spices. This quick one-pot meal is light on the stomach and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, these Assamese rice flour and jaggery fritters are a beloved Bihu festival treat. Their unique shape gives them their quirky name, and the sweet, earthy flavor of jaggery makes them utterly addictive.
This indian recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 390.75 calories per serving with 3.69g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dessert or snack.
Deep Fry the Mithoi
Drain and Serve
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground green cardamom (elaichi) powder or 1/4 teaspoon of dry ginger (saunth) powder to the flour mixture for a different aromatic profile.
After shaping the mithoi, lightly press a few white sesame seeds onto the surface before frying for an extra nutty flavor and crunch.
For a surprise center, flatten a small portion of dough, place a tiny amount of grated coconut mixed with jaggery in the middle, and then seal and roll it into the traditional shape before frying.
The primary ingredient, glutinous rice flour, is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing a quick and effective energy boost, making it a popular festive treat.
Jaggery, an unrefined sugar, retains more minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to white sugar, contributing to the overall mineral intake.
The inclusion of spices like fennel seeds and black pepper is traditional not just for flavor but also for their digestive properties. Fennel seeds are known to reduce indigestion and bloating.
Poka Mithoi is a traditional Assamese sweet fritter made from glutinous rice flour and jaggery. 'Poka' means worm in Assamese, and 'Mithoi' means sweet, referring to its unique curved, worm-like shape.
It is highly recommended to use glutinous rice flour (Bora Saul flour) as it provides the characteristic soft and chewy texture. Using regular rice flour will result in a hard and dense fritter, which is not authentic.
Once completely cooled, store the Poka Mithoi in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to a week.
Poka Mithoi is a traditional dessert and should be considered an indulgent treat. It is deep-fried and contains jaggery (a form of sugar). While jaggery offers more minerals than refined sugar, the dish is high in calories and carbohydrates. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
A single serving of 5 pieces of Poka Mithoi contains approximately 325-350 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific ingredients used.