In ancient times, “Thiruvathirai Kali” was prepared in a brass vessel (Vengala Uruli). Jaggery is boiled with water and rice flour is added to it. The kali is then cooked on low heat, stirring occasionally. Nowadays, it is prepared in a “Pressure Cooker” or “Open Vessels”. I find this method easier, and the kali turns out softer. This Kali is typically served with Mixed Vegetable Kootu (Thalagam). It usually includes seven vegetables. This is also known as Ezhu Kari Kootu or Thalagam.
Thalagam
Difficulty: EasyLearn how to make Thalagam, a delicious South Indian dish made with 7 vegetables. Perfect for festival days like Thiruvathirai and Pongal!
How to make
Thiruvathirai Kali is a traditional South Indian sweet dish made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. To prepare it, first, fry raw rice in a kadai until it turns light brown. Then, cool the rice and grind it into a powder. In a thick-bottomed vessel, mix the rice powder with boiling water and let it rest for half an hour. Meanwhile, fry cashew nuts in ghee and powder cardamom. Next, dissolve jaggery in water, bring it to a boil, and strain it to remove impurities. Add the jaggery syrup to the rice mixture, cooking it on medium heat until well mixed. Finally, incorporate grated coconut, fried cashews, and cardamom powder, mixing thoroughly before removing from the stove. This dish is often prepared for special occasions, celebrating the festival of Thiruvathirai.


Wanted recipe of thalagam also
which rice is used?
Ordinary raw rice (Pacha Arisi).
Hi aunty
for the first time i prepared thiruvathirai kali by myself.folliwed ur recipe nd the kali came out very well.thanks a lot
Thank you Priya for your feed back.
Pl. mention rice and water measurement.
It is already there in the recipe. For 1 cup of rice use 2 cups of water.
Hi mam , the water measurement of 2 cups excluding the jaggery water or jaggery also dissolve using with tat 2 cups?
Yes.
Pingback: Exciting Thiruvathirai Festival Celebrations on January 3, 2026