JUNNU / KARVACH

JUNNU – AN ANDHRA SPECIALITY / KARVACH - MAHARASHTRA
Junnu is a delicacy enjoyed by the people from Andhra Pradesh. It is known as Karvach in Maharashtra. Junnu/ Karvach is usually prepared with the first milk obtained from the cow after it delivers the calf. Since everyone can’t get this milk, especially people living abroad and in big cities, there is another recipe using China Grass for preparing this dessert so you don’t miss out on the delicacy.

Ingredients
China Grass (Agar Agar) - 10 grams
Milk - 1 Litre
Sugar – 1 ½ cups
Cardmom powder – 1tsp
Coarsely Ground Pepper powder – 1tsp (optional)
Seasonal fruits can be used for decoration

Method
The china grass should be first washed well in a colander to remove traces of any preservatives.
In a saucepan, Add one litre milk and allow to boil. When milk starts boiling, Add the china grass. The China grass melts in the boiling milk in 4 to 5 minutes. Now add the sugar and stir constantly. Once the sugar and china grass have blended with the milk, Add the cardamom power and coarsely ground pepper. Stir well for a few seconds and switch off the gas. Allow the mixture to cool a little.
You can just pour onto a plate and cool in the refrigerator (DO NOT PLACE IN DEEP FREEZER) for about an hour and cut it into squares or diamonds after it becomes solid and enjoy. This tastes exactly like Junnu / Karvach.

Serving Instructions
Pour the mixture into small ice cream cups or glass bowls.
Top it up with seasonal fruits. Place the cups/bowls in the refrigerator, in about an hour, the mixture solidifies like ice-cream. After it becomes solid, it will not melt like ice-cream. It will be like a milk jelly.

Note: Pepper is optional. Please note that after it become solid, Pepper and cardamom powder form a sort of layer at the bottom.

Tip: Consume this dessert as soon as possible. You can store it in the refrigerator for 2 days. If not kept in refrigerator, consume on the same day.