A visit to Pondicherry is deemed complete only after one samples kamarkattu at the decades – old Gunasekaran’s shop. Kamarkattu is one of the most popular traditional sweets of Tamil Nadu and said to have originated in Madurai and nearby places. However, over the years the delectable kamarkattu has become synonymous with the beautiful seaside town of Pondicherry.
This chewy treat is prepared from jaggery and coconut. First, one kg of jaggery is powdered fine, after which it is mixed into one kg of freshly grated coconut in a large kadai and stirred on low flame on wood fire.
When the mixture thickens and reaches the right consistency, it is taken off the flame and spread on trays. It is cut into blocks, slightly pressed, rolled into sheets first and then into cylindrical tube – like shapes, cut into small cubes, edges smoothened and packed.
The entire process is done by hand using locally sourced ingredients. The kamarkattu has a glossy dark golden brown colour, is soft in texture and simply delicious. Some vendors use dry ginger powder and cardamom powder to enhance its flavour.
Locals say that kamarkattu is very good for digestion, to treat hormonal problems and build up immunity.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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