Gulabi Puvvulu Recipe (Gulabi Guttulu)

Gulabi Puvvulu is a traditional South Indian sweet prepared using a flower mould. It is crispy, mildly sweet, and flavored with cardamom. Gulabi Puvvulu is also called Gulabi Guttulu in many regions and is commonly made during festivals and special occasions.

Ingredients

• Wheat flour – 1 cup
• Rice flour – 1 cup
• Salt – a small pinch
• Jaggery – ¾ glass
• Water – 1 glass
• Cardamom powder (Elaichi) – 1 tbsp
• Oil – for deep frying

Preparation Method

1. Prepare jaggery syrup

   • Take a pan and add jaggery and 1 glass water.
   • Heat on medium flame until jaggery melts completely.
   • Switch off the flame and filter the syrup to remove impurities.
   • Allow it to cool slightly (lukewarm).

2. Prepare the batter

   • In a mixing bowl, add wheat flour, rice flour, and a pinch of salt.
   • Slowly add the filtered jaggery syrup.
   • Mix well without lumps.
   • Add cardamom powder.
   • If needed, add little water and mix.
   • Batter consistency should be like dosa batter.

3. Heat oil and mould

   • Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium flame.
   • Place the flower mould into the oil and let it heat well.

4. Shape Gulabi Puvvulu

   • Dip the hot mould into the batter (do not fully dip; batter should coat the mould).
   • Immediately place the mould into the hot oil.
   • Gently shake or tap so the flower shape releases into the oil.

5. Frying

   • Fry on medium flame until golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove and place on tissue paper to absorb excess oil.

Tips

• Always keep the mould hot for perfect flower shapes.
• Oil should be medium hot; very hot oil will burn the sweet quickly.
• Batter should not be too thick or too thin.
• Consume in moderation as it is deep-fried.

Health Benefits

• Good energy booster
  Jaggery provides instant energy and helps reduce tiredness.
• Better digestion
  Jaggery supports digestion and helps prevent constipation when eaten in small quantities.
• Iron-rich sweet
  Jaggery contains iron, which helps improve hemoglobin levels and supports blood health.
• Easily digestible
  Compared to maida-based sweets, wheat flour and rice flour are lighter and easier on the stomach.
• Naturally warming food
  Jaggery and cardamom help keep the body warm, especially in cooler weather.
• No refined sugar
  Made with jaggery instead of white sugar, making it a slightly healthier festive sweet.
• Cardamom benefits
  Cardamom improves digestion, reduces gas, and adds natural flavor without artificial essence.

Note:
Since Gulabi Puvvulu is deep-fried, it should be consumed in moderation, especially by people with diabetes or weight concerns.