Sudannu - Shakranu

Traditional Bohra Thaal Sweet Starter

Yields: Serves 1 thaal | Total Time: 10 minutes

A signature opening of the Bohra thaal, Sudannu is a humble, three-ingredient sweet starter made from cooked rice, ghee, and sugar. According to Ayurveda, consuming a small amount of sweet before a meal can activate the taste buds and improve digestion by stimulating digestive secretions. This can lead to a more enjoyable and efficient meal experience. Traditional Bohra Thaal etiquette typically begins on festive and happy occasions.

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Ingredients

Base Preparation

• ½ cup Cooked plain white rice (room temperature or warm)

• 1 tbsp Desi ghee (pure, aromatic)

• 2 tsp Granulated sugar (or to taste)

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Method

1. Fluff the rice:
   Gently separate the cooked rice grains using a fork or fingers to avoid clumps. Avoid mushy rice — each grain should remain intact but soft.

2. Add ghee:
   Place the rice into a bowl and drizzle the ghee evenly. Mix gently with a spoon so the ghee coats every grain. The aroma should be rich but not overpowering.

3. Sweeten it:
   Sprinkle the sugar over the ghee-coated rice. Mix lightly again. The sugar should not dissolve completely — the light crunch is part of the texture.

4. Plate it:
   Serve immediately in a small saucer — around 2 tbsp per portion — as the opening bite of your Bohra thaal.

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Chef’s Notes

• Rice: Best results come from freshly steamed short- or medium-grain rice. Leftover rice can be used if it's soft and reheated gently.

• Ghee: Use homemade or premium-quality desi ghee — the aroma is key.

• Serving: Sudannu is not meant to be a full dish. Limit to 2-3 bites — its job is to open the appetite, not fill the stomach.

• Variation: Some families use jaggery powder instead of sugar for a deeper flavor.