Hayagreeva is an authentic sweet from Karnataka. This is done on special occasions and can be done very easily. The sweet is made with Channa Dal, Jaggery and Ghee. I am contributing this delicacy for my Dear Friend Asha's (Foodies Hope) Round up for RCI Karnataka . Thanks Asha for hosting this event.
"Hayagreeva" is a brand name dish of the Madhwas. No major Madhwa social event is complete without the "Hayagreeva" dish. It is called "Hayagreeva maddi" by Madhwa chefs. (Madhwas are followers of the Dvaita Philosophy founded by Sri Madhwacharya). This sweet was prepared by Sri Vadhiraja Theertharu as prasad to Lord Sri Hayavadana and this is the speciality of the sweet. Here is the recipe.
Ingredients:
Channa Dal - 1 Cup
Jaggery / Brown Sugar - 2 Cups
Ghee - 3 tablespoons
Powdered Cardamom - 1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg Powder - 1/4 teaspoon
Desiccated Coconut/ Grated Kobri - 2 tablespoons - Roasted in Ghee
Cashews or Almond slices - roasted in ghee.
Method:
Dry Roast Channa Dal for a couple minutes in medium heat. Pressure cook the dal. (The cook time for channa dal is more than toor dal). After the dal is cooked, drain the water and keep the dal aside. The water can be used for preparing Rasam/Saaru.
Heat jaggery/brown sugar in a heavy kadai adding a quarter cup of water.
When the Jaggery melts completely, add the channa dal. Turn heat to medium.
Keep stirring until the moisture is almost absorbed completely.
While it's cooking, mash the dal with a masher.
Reduce the heat and add the other ingredients viz. roasted coconut, cardamom powder, nutmeg, ghee, and nuts.
Mix well and Serve warm or at room temperature.
