Arrow Root/Koova Payasam

Koova is nothing but arrowroot. The flour made from arrowroot was prepared prior to Thiruvathira earlier. But these days, you can get the powder from shops, especially medical shops.Thiruvathira is one of the most important festivals for the womenfolk of Kerala. On Thiruvaathira, the women folk abstain from taking rice and for the lunch a delicious  arrow-root powder  porridge or fruits are served. The women spend the whole  night singing and dancing. Kaikottikkali is an exceptional dance form that is associated with this festival in which a group of women attired in traditional dresses dance in a circle around a lighted brass lamp.
What you need for arrow root/Koova payasam:

• Arrow root powder - 1 cup
• Coconut - 1 cup
• Banana - 2
• Jaggery -6 pieces
• Cashew - 3 
• Raisins - 4
• Cardamom - 2
• Ghee - 1 tbsp

The preparation method:

• Heat ghee or oil in a pan.Fry cashew,raisins and coconut till they turn slightly golden brown.
• Mix the arrowroot powder with enough water and add it to the pan.
• When the mixture starts boiling, add melted jaggery pieces.
• Add banana pieces and cardamom powder.
• Continue boiling till it starts to get a viscous consistency.
• you have to be extremely careful at this time if you want to get the perfect consistency.
• if you want jelly like pieces that could be cut, continue the boiling for a few more minutes.otherwise stop at the viscous consistency.it will harden further when it cools.
• Tasty Arrow Root / Koova Payasam is ready to be relished.