Pori Unda/Sweet Puffed Rice Balls

Puffed rice is a good tea time snack in itself. Pori unda is yummy balls made with puffed rice and jaggery. These ladoo/balls are yummy and crispy to munch on. I have nostalgic memories about this snack. We used to buy them at temple festival fairs. Vendors used to carry around baskets filled with pori unda and they were super yummy. At home too we make them on special occasions like Onam, Diwali and Karthika Deepam. For sweetness you can also use caramelized sugar. Try this you will surely love it.

Ingredients
Puffed rice/pori- 5 cup
Jaggery powdered- 1 cup
Water- 1/2 cup
Ghee- 1 tbs
Cardamon powder- a pinch
Dry ginger powder- 1/8 tsp (optional)

Heat jaggery and water and allow it to melt. Strain the impurities and return to stove.
In medium heat allow it to boil and thickens to one thread consistency. Reduce the flame and simmer for another 5-6 minutes till it thickens. To test the perfect syrup consistency drop a little syrup into cold water. After a few seconds you will be able to press it together, it will form a hard ball that is elastic and can be shaped.
Add the cardamon powder,dry ginger powder and ghee and mix. Switch off the flame and add the puffed rice and mix till it is well coated.
Allow this to cool down a bit. Grease hands with ghee or dust with rice flour.Take small ladle full and of the puffed rice and lightly press together and then shape into balls.
This mixture will harden quickly so try to make balls when it is warm. If you find some sticking to the pan put it back to the stove for a minute,scrape with spoon,it will get released from the pan.When the balls come to room temperature transfer and store in air tight containers.