Adhirasam is a traditional South Indian sweet delicacy, often prepared during festivals like Deepavali. It is made using rice flour and jaggery, which are combined into a dough, fermented for a few days, and then deep-fried to create a crispy yet soft texture. The sweet is shaped like a flattened disc, similar to a doughnut but without a hole.
Adhirasam has a rich history, dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire, where it was a royal offering. The preparation process requires patience, as the dough must be fermented for 3–5 days to achieve the perfect consistency. The jaggery syrup plays a crucial role in determining the final texture—if not prepared correctly, the adhirasam can turn too hard or too soft.