FIRE ROASTED COCONUT IN SESAME/JAGGERY SAUCE - TRADITION OF SALEM DISTRICT

It’s almost 2 months I got a break from everything like cooking, cleaning, blogging especially browsing. Totally enjoyed, my India trip for last 60 days but off course I would be happy if I have extended vacation :) Unfortunately as a mom and wife it is not possible right.  I am happy to be back in my space after a long time and much exited to see all your sweet comments during my absence, thanks all of you.  Missed all your posts, hope to catch them very very soon.  Today I am posting a sweet post which I shot in India.  Its a tradition that is followed in Salem (Tamil Nadu, India) and near by districts during the day of Aadi (Tamil month name for July) 1st. 

The method involves the below steps…………. 

1.Put a hole in the coconut and  remove the water from the coconut.   
2.A stick is inserted into the coconut through the hole made earlier. 
3.The stick which is used is called as Azhinji Kuchi(stick). I am sorry, I am not aware of other names in English or other languages.
 4.The Coconut is  roasted in fire and served with the Sesame Jaggery sauce.  
 5.The other way is to add Poha, Sesame etc inside the coconut before roasting it and served with the Sauce.

 

This is the first time I watched my Mother-in law making this.  It was so interesting and the roasted Coconut itself tasted great, together with Sesame and Jaggery it was awesome.  This combo is not only for your taste buds, it treats your nose as well.  Yah while roasting the coconut it smelled heavenly, when mixed with Sesame Jaggery sauce it was divine. When considering the health factor, there is no fats like butter or ghee in this dish.  Sesame and Jaggery are very good for health and you can enjoy them without any guilt.  Hope you all will enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed ....

Fire Roasted Coconut with Sesame Jaggery Sauce

Ingredients :

Fire Roasted Coconut - 4  
Reserved water from the coconut for making sauce
Jaggery - 3/4 cup
Turmeric for sealing the edges

For Sesame powder :

Roasted Sesame seeds - 1 1/2 cup 
Jaggery - 1 1/2 cup

 

 

Method :
1. First make a hole in the coconut. Remove the water and set aside. 2. Insert a stick in the coconut and  seal the edges with turmeric as shown in the picture.3. Fire roast them on all sides (high flame) until they become charred all over.  Don't panic when you hear the coconut’s cracking sound, its normal.4. Once they are done , keep it aside and let it cool.5. Mean while prepare the sesame powder.6.  Wash and drain the Sesame seeds.  Dry roast them in a pan until they splutters and well roasted. Make sure not to burn them as it spoils the taste.7. Blend  them coarsely with Jaggery in the mixie/blender.8. Now break the coconut shell, and cut them to small pieces (taste them for sure, its tastes yummy).7. In a pan add the Jaggery and coconut water. Stir them until the Jaggery melts and drain to remove the sands.  Now again bring them to nice boil.8. Now add the Sesame mixture and whisk well to avoid the lumps. Let them boil for few minutes until it thickens slightly. 9. To this add the chopped coconut and give it a stir.  10. Switch off the flame. Let it cool. Serve it.

This can be served warm and also in room temperature.
Note:
1. While selecting coconut try to get tender one.