Authentic Sukhiyan Recipe: A Traditional South Indian Sweet Snack

Ingredients

1 cup of Green gram (mung beans)
2 cups of Grated Jaggery
1/2 cup of Grated Coconut
1/2 teaspoon of Cardamom powder
1 cup of All-purpose flour
1 pinch of Turmeric powder
1 pinch of Salt
Water as needed
Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

Soak the green gram in water for 4 hours.
Drain the water and cook the green gram in a pressure cooker with enough water for 3 whistles.
Once the pressure releases, drain the water from the cooked green gram and keep it aside.
In a pan, melt the grated jaggery with little water. Once it is melted, strain to remove any impurities and keep it aside.
In the same pan, add the cooked green gram, strained jaggery syrup, grated coconut, and cardamom powder. Mix well and cook on a medium flame till the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Allow this mixture to cool.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, turmeric powder, and salt. Add water gradually and make a batter of coating consistency. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Dip each ball of the green gram mixture in the batter, ensuring it is well coated. Drop the balls gently into the hot oil and deep fry till golden brown.
Drain the fried Sukhiyan on kitchen paper to remove excess oil. Serve them hot or at room temperature.

Tools for making

Pressure cooker - Used to cook the green gram quickly and efficiently.
Pan - Used to melt the jaggery and cook the green gram mixture.
Strainer - Used to strain the melted jaggery syrup and remove any impurities.
Bowl - Used to mix the all-purpose flour, turmeric powder, and salt to make the batter.
Deep frying pan - Used to deep fry the Sukhiyan.
Kitchen paper - Used to drain the excess oil from the fried Sukhiyan.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
Add chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to the green gram mixture for added crunch.
Instead of deep frying, bake the sukhiyan in the oven for a lighter option.
Replace the green gram with split yellow lentils (moong dal) for a different flavor.
Add a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) to the green gram mixture for a richer taste.
For a savory twist, add finely chopped onions, green chilies, and cilantro to the green gram mixture.
Try using different sweeteners such as palm jaggery or honey instead of grated jaggery.
Make a gluten-free version by using rice flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.
For a vegan option, substitute the ghee with coconut oil and ensure the jaggery used is vegan-friendly.

Recipe overview

Sukhiyan is a traditional South Indian snack, particularly popular in the Kerala region. It is a quick and tasty sweet treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. This morsel-size snack is made by deep frying balls of green gram, jaggery, and coconut mixture, coated in a light batter. It's the perfect blend of sweetness, texture, and subtle spice from the cardamom. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Sukhiyan at home. It's simple, and even those new to cooking will find the steps easy to follow. In less than an hour, you can serve these delicious dumplings to your family or guests. Enjoy!

Common questions

How long does it take to cook the green gram in a pressure cooker? The green gram should be cooked in the pressure cooker for 3 whistles.
Can I use any other type of gram instead of green gram? No, for this recipe, it is recommended to use green gram (mung beans) for the authentic taste and texture.
Can I substitute the jaggery with sugar? While jaggery is traditionally used in Sukhiyan for its unique flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sugar if desired.
Can I use desiccated coconut instead of grated coconut? Yes, you can use desiccated coconut as a substitute for grated coconut if you are unable to find fresh coconut.
What can I serve Sukhiyan with? Sukhiyan can be enjoyed as a snack on its own, or you can serve it with a cup of tea or coffee.
Can I make Sukhiyan ahead of time? Yes, you can make Sukhiyan ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
Can I bake Sukhiyan instead of deep frying? While deep frying gives Sukhiyan its crispy texture, you can try baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Is Sukhiyan vegan-friendly? Yes, Sukhiyan is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products or by-products.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - Used for mixing the all-purpose flour, turmeric powder, and salt to make the batter.
Pressure Cooker - Used to cook the green gram until tender and soft.
Frying Pan - Used for melting the grated jaggery, cooking the green gram mixture, and deep frying the Sukhiyan.
Strainer - Used for straining the melted jaggery syrup to remove any impurities.
Deep Frying Pan - Used for deep frying the Sukhiyan until golden brown.
Kitchen Paper - Used for draining excess oil from the fried Sukhiyan.

Origin stories

Sukhiyan, a sweet delicacy from the south Indian state of Kerala, takes its root in the tradition of 'tea-time snacks'. The state, renowned for its picturesque backwaters and lush green landscapes, also boasts a diverse culinary tradition, heavily influenced by the abundant use of local produce. Sukhiyan, studded with the sweetness of jaggery and the earthy flavors of mung beans, is a reflection of this tradition. This sweet snack is usually enjoyed in the evening, along with a cup of hot tea. Interestingly, the name 'Sukhiyan' is thought to derive from the Malayalam word 'sukham', meaning happiness, thus making every bite of this snack a small bite of joy. Although traditionally deep-fried, a healthier version of this snack is now gaining popularity, where it's steam-cooked to retain the same delightful taste while reducing the oil content. So, every time you enjoy a Sukhiyan, you're partaking in a centuries-old tradition of Kerala that brings together local flavors in a harmony of taste and health.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.