Shirvalyo are rice flour noodles traditionally enjoyed with coconut milk. This dish is an integral part of Goan cuisine and is also prepared in the Konkan region, where it is known as Shirwale. However, with changing food preferences among children today, parents rarely make such traditional dishes. As a result, kids miss out on experiencing these authentic flavours. Instead of avoiding such dishes just because children may not prefer them, we should introduce them occasionally, explaining their nutritional benefits. This will not only encourage children to eat healthier but also help preserve these traditional recipes for future generations.
Two Methods of Preparing Shirvalyo
There are two ways to prepare Shirvalyo. The traditional method involves cooking small dough balls in boiling water before pressing them into noodles, while the second method steams the noodles, similar to modaks. Both recipes are explained below.
Ingredients for Shirvalyo
- Rice flour – 2 cups
- Water – 2 cups
- Ghee/Oil – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
Ingredients for Coconut Milk
- Grated coconut – 1
- Jaggery – 250 grams
- Cardamom powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Turmeric – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
Preparation Method
Shirvalyo
- Boil two cups of water in a pan and add ghee (or oil) and salt.
- Once the water starts boiling, add the rice flour and mix well. Turn off the heat and cover the pan.
- When the mixture is warm enough to handle, knead it into a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls and cook them in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Using a chakli press with a thick sev plate, press the cooked dough balls into noodles. This is the traditional method.
Alternative Method (Preferred Method)
Instead of boiling the dough balls, first press the noodles using a chakli press and then steam them in an idli steamer or a strainer over boiling water.
Coconut Milk Preparation
- Grate the coconut and blend it with turmeric in a mixer.
- Extract thick coconut milk from this mixture.
- Add grated jaggery and mix until fully dissolved.
- Finally, add cardamom powder and salt, stirring well to blend the flavours.
Serve warm Shirvalyo with this rich coconut milk mixture—an absolute treat for food lovers!
