Nel Pori Urundai for Karthigai Deepam

Nel in tamil, is unhusked rice paddy.  Nel pori is puffed rice paddy.

Ingredients:
Nel Pori - 4 cups
Jaggery - 1 cup
Thinly sliced coconut - 2 TBSP
Cardamom powder - 1 tsp
Dry ginger powder(sukku) - 1 tsp
Ghee - 1/2 tsp

Method:

1. Spread the pori in a large plate or bowl.  Remove all the husks.
2. If pori is soft, spread them in a tray and toast in a oven on a very low temperature setting.
3. Remove and let it cool.
4. Roast the thinly sliced coconut in 1/2 tsp ghee until golden brown.
5. Heat the jaggery in 1/4 cup of water until completely dissolved.
6. Strain to remove any impurities.
7. Add ginger powder, cardamom powder and coconut.
8. Boil the strained jaggery syrup until it reaches a soft ball consistency.
9. To check the consistency, place some syrup in a bowl of water.  If you can make a ball out of it, then it is ready.
10. Pour the jaggery syrup all over the pori.
11. Using a wooden spoon, mix well to coat.
12. Apply little ghee to your palm and shape into tight balls.