Sri Lankan Lavariya

Lavariya is a delicious Sri Lankan Sweet Dumpling String Hoppers stuffed with a filling made with grated coconut and jaggery.  It is commonly served as a breakfast item or as an afternoon snack with tea and bananas. 

Ingredients:

For the coconut filling:

·       Ghee – 2 tsp

·       Grated coconut – 1 ½ cups

·       Jaggery – 1 cup

·       Cardamom – 2 pinches

For the dough (string hoppers)

·       Rice flour – 1 ½ cup

·       Hot water – 2 ½ cup

·       Milk – ½ cup (optional)

·       Salt to taste

Method:

For the coconut filling:

·       Take a kadai, add ghee, let it melt and now add jaggery.

·       Add the grated coconut and give a good mix.

·       Cook on low heat until sticky and well combined.

·       Add cardamom powder and give a good mix.

·       Turn off the flame and set it aside to cool.

For the dough (string hoppers):

·       Take a kadai add water and milk, adding milk is completely optional and salt.

·       Once the water comes to a boil, add rice flour. Mix it well.

·       Turn off the flame and cover it with a lid.

·       Take the mixture in a plate. Knead it while it is warm. If required, you can add a little bit of water while kneading.

·       You can use a greased vati and knead it. Knead it until it becomes soft and shiny.

·       Meanwhile add water in the steamer and bring it to boil.

·       Grease the string hopper press and fill the press with dough.

·       Now press into thin circles on a greased banana leaf.

·       Place the coconut filling on one side of the string hopper, fold gently with the help of banana leaf.

·       You can either line the steamer stands with banana leaf or wet cloth. Place the Lavariya on it. 

·       Cover the steamer with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes. Once done the Sri Lankan Sweet Lavariya will have a shiny texture.

·       Turn off the flame, after 2 minutes remove the Lavaraiya from the steamer.

·       Serve and Enjoy your Sri Lankan delicacy.