Athirasa (oil cake)

A classic Sri Lankan sweet made with rice flour and honey, perfect for special occasions and festivals!

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Ingredients

1 kg raw rice

1 bottle honey (or 750 g sugar, melted into syrup)

Some sesame seeds (optional)

1 bottle coconut oil (for frying)

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Method

1. Prepare the Rice Flour:

Soak the raw rice in water for a few hours and drain well.

Grind the drained rice into a fine flour.

Lightly roast the flour in a pan until fragrant and set aside.

2. Make the Syrup:

If using honey, melt it slightly for easier mixing.

If using sugar, melt it in a pan over medium heat until it turns into a syrup. You can mix honey and sugar if preferred, using more sugar and less honey (1 cup honey for every 1 cup sugar).

3. Mix the Ingredients:

Add roasted sesame seeds (if using) to the syrup.

Gradually add the rice flour to the syrup, mixing well until a thick, pliable dough forms.

4. Shape the Athirasa:

Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball into a disc shape on a greased surface or banana leaf.

5. Fry the Athirasa:

Heat coconut oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

Fry the flattened discs one at a time until golden brown, ensuring they are cooked through.

Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

6. Cool and Store:

Allow the Athirasa to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

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Tips

The syrup consistency is crucial; it should be thick enough to bind the flour but not too hard.

Use medium heat for frying to prevent the Athirasa from burning.

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Athirasa is a beloved Sri Lankan sweet, cherished during Sinhala and Tamil New Year and other festive celebrations. Its chewy texture and rich flavor make it an irresistible