Aasmi facts for kids
Alternative names | Asmi, Aasmee |
---|---|
Course | Dessert |
Place of origin | Sri Lanka |
Serving temperature | Cooled |
Main ingredients | rice flour, coconut milk, cinnamon leaves, sugar |
Variations | okra juice |
96 kcal (402 kJ) |
Aasmi is a special deep-fried sweet snack from Sri Lanka. It's a very popular treat, especially during important celebrations. People often enjoy Aasmi at the Sinhalese and Tamil New Years, which are called Aluth Avurudda and Puthandu. You'll also find this tasty snack served at weddings and birthday parties across the island.
Contents
What is Aasmi?
Aasmi is a unique dessert that looks a bit like a crispy, lacy pancake. It's known for its interesting texture and sweet flavor. This snack is a big part of Sri Lankan culture and traditions. It shows the rich history of food in the country.
How is Aasmi Made?
Making Aasmi is a bit of a process, but the result is delicious!
The Batter
First, a special batter is made. It uses a mix of rice flour and creamy coconut milk. What makes Aasmi unique is an extra ingredient: juice from davul kurundu leaves. These are a type of cinnamon leaves. Sometimes, if cinnamon leaves aren't available, juice from okra is used instead. This helps give the batter its special texture.
Frying and Resting
Once the batter is ready, it's carefully deep-fried in hot coconut oil. The Aasmi pieces are fried until they are golden and crispy. After the first fry, they are set aside to rest for a few days. This resting period is important for the snack's final texture.
The Sweet Finish
After resting, the Aasmi pieces are deep-fried again. This second fry makes them even crispier. Finally, they are topped with a sweet sugar syrup. This syrup is often mixed with food colouring to make the Aasmi look even more festive and appealing. The syrup adds a lovely sweetness to the crispy snack.
When is Aasmi Eaten?
Aasmi is a traditional treat for special occasions. The most important time is during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Years. These celebrations happen in April and are a time for families to gather. Sharing Aasmi is a way to celebrate and enjoy time together. It's also a popular sweet at family events like weddings and birthdays.