Pootharekulu (pronounced poo-ta-ray-koo-loo) is a famous traditional sweet from the East Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh. The name means “coated sheet” in Telugu. It’s made with a thin rice starch sheet, filled with sugar and ghee, and folded like a wrap. It’s crispy, delicate, and melts in your mouth.
🧾 Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Raw rice (preferably jaya or sannalu) | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup (or as needed) |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | ½ cup (melted) |
| Cardamom powder (optional) | ¼ tsp |
| Ghee/oil for applying to surface | As needed |
🍳 Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare Rice Starch Batter:
- Soak 1 cup raw rice in water for 6–8 hours (or overnight).
- Grind the soaked rice into a fine, runny batter using water. It should have a milk-like consistency.
- Strain the batter to remove any coarse grains.
2. Make Pootharekulu Sheets:
- Take a clean, inverted earthen pot (or a small rounded tawa) and heat it gently.
- Lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
- Dip a soft cloth or use your fingers to quickly swipe a thin layer of the rice batter on the hot surface. It will instantly form a paper-thin sheet.
- Peel it off carefully after a few seconds and keep it on a plate. Repeat to make more sheets.
⚠️ Tip: The sheets are very delicate. Handle with care.
3. Add Filling & Fold:
- Place a rice paper on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar and cardamom powder evenly.
- Drizzle melted ghee over it.
- Fold it gently into a rectangular or roll shape.
4. Serve or Store:
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight box. They stay fresh for 4–5 days.
📌 Variations:
- Dry fruit version: Add crushed dry fruits or khova (milk solids).
- Jaggery version: Use powdered jaggery instead of sugar for a healthier twist.
🧾 Common FAQs – Pootharekulu
1. What is Pootharekulu made of?
Pootharekulu is made from rice starch (rice batter), sugar or jaggery, and ghee. Optional ingredients include cardamom powder and dry fruits.
2. Which rice is best for making Pootharekulu?
Traditionally, “jaya” or “sannalu” variety rice is used. You can use any raw rice with less starch and good grinding quality.
3. How is the rice paper (sheet) made?
A thin batter is spread on a hot inverted earthen pot or tawa to form a paper-thin rice sheet. It dries and peels off quickly.
4. Can I use store-bought rice paper instead?
No. Store-bought rice paper used in Asian cooking is different in texture and taste. Authentic Pootharekulu sheets must be freshly made from rice batter.
5. How long does Pootharekulu stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container, they stay good for 4 to 5 days at room temperature. Avoid storing in humid places.
6. Can I make Pootharekulu without ghee?
Ghee is essential for the traditional taste and texture. However, for a vegan version, you may use coconut oil or unsalted vegan butter, though flavor will differ.
7. Is Pootharekulu gluten-free?
Yes, it is made from rice and contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, so it is naturally gluten-free.
8. What does the name “Pootharekulu” mean?
In Telugu, “Pootha” means coating, and “Rekulu” means sheets – referring to sheets coated with sugar and ghee.
9. Where is Pootharekulu famous in Andhra Pradesh?
It is especially famous in the Atreyapuram village of East Godavari district. The village is known for producing and exporting it.
10. Can I buy ready-made Pootharekulu online?
Yes, several Andhra sweet shops and online platforms like Amazon, Swiggy, and regional sweet sellers offer them for delivery.
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