Inji Murappa/ Marappa Recipe-Tasty Ginger Candy for Cold Relief
What is Inji Murrapa/Marappa?
Inji Murrapa/Marappa, also known as ginger candy, is a yummy treat made with ginger and jaggery. It’s also called Inji Marrapa in Tamil, where "inji" means ginger and "marrapa" means a syrup made from jaggery or sugar. This ginger candy is sweet and spicy, making it a fun treat to eat! The spicy ginger and sweet jaggery make a delicious combo that everyone loves.
About This Recipe.
Inji murappa, which we usually call inji mittai, means ginger candy. It is sold in all local shops in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. You can find it during travel alongside roads and even in some railway trail shops. We often eat this to avoid travel sickness or as an after-meal candy if you have a sweet tooth like me. It's not just tasty but also good for digestion. During pregnancy, people often eat this for nausea, which makes it even more special and useful.
This recipe is a simple one that anyone can make easily by blending jaggery and ginger juice. There are several forms of this candy, like the crystallized form. However, the traditional recipe is cubical in form and crumbly in texture. The recipe I shared below is the traditional way, as I don't want to alter it. That's because, in the alternative crystallized method, it usually sticks between your teeth, and the sugar sticking in between teeth is not so good, especially for kids.
Do enjoy this inji murappa as a final dessert after a heavy meal. Its sweet and spicy flavor makes it the perfect treat. You can also make a big batch of this recipe and store it in jars, so you always have some ready to enjoy. You can take these with you during your travels, too, which makes them a handy and tasty companion for your journey.
Inji murappa is more than just a candy. It's a delightful treat that brings a little taste of Tamil Nadu wherever you go. Whether you're traveling or relaxing at home, this ginger candy is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Give it a try and enjoy the simple, tasty goodness of inji mittai!
Benefits of Inji Marrapa/Murrapa
Inji Murappa, or ginger candy, is a tasty treat that is also good for your health. Here are some benefits of eating ginger candy:
- Helps Digestion: Ginger candy can help your stomach feel better after a meal and make digestion easier.
- Reduces Nausea: If you feel sick while traveling, ginger candy can help settle your stomach. Pregnant women often eat it to ease morning sickness.
- Soothes Sore Throats: Ginger is known for its soothing effects on sore throats and coughs, making ginger candy a great choice when you're feeling under the weather.
- Boosts Immunity: Ginger contains antioxidants that help your body fight off colds and infections, making it a great snack to boost your immune system.
- Relieves Minor Pain: Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve minor aches and pains, such as headaches.
- Convenient Snack: Ginger candy is easy to carry around and enjoy whenever you need a quick health boost or a tasty treat.
Key Ingredients of Inji Marappa/Murappa
- Ginger (Inji):Fresh ginger is typically used for its spicy and aromatic qualities. It can be grated, chopped, or made into a paste.
- Jaggery (Marappa):Jaggery is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It is usually available in block or powder form.
- Water:Used to dissolve the jaggery and cook the ginger, creating a syrup that binds the ingredients together.
- Ghee (Optional):A small amount of ghee may be added for flavor and to prevent the candy from sticking to surfaces during preparation.
- Cardamom (Optional):Cardamom powder can be added for extra flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the candy.
- All purpose flour:All purpose flour to thicken the mixture and improve the candy's texture.
Inji Murrapa/Marappa, also known as ginger candy, is a yummy treat made with ginger and jaggery. It’s also called Inji Marrapa in Tamil, where "inji" means ginger and "marrapa" means a syrup made from jaggery or sugar. This ginger candy is sweet and spicy, making it a fun treat to eat! The spicy ginger and sweet jaggery make a delicious combo that everyone loves
- 100 grams Grated tender ginger
- 1.5 cups: Sugar
- 3 tablespoons: All-purpose flour (Maida)
- 1 pinch Cardamom powder (if powder not available crush 1 cardamom and add a pinch)
- Peel the skin from the ginger.
- Wash the ginger thoroughly.
- Grate the ginger finely. (Use only tender ginger for making this sweet.)
- Take 1½ cups of sugar in a large wide pan.
- Add a few tablespoons of water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to the sugar.
- Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, and the syrup starts to boil.
- Continue heating the syrup until it reaches a 2-string consistency. (This means when you take a small drop of syrup between your thumb and finger and pull apart, it should form two threads.)
- Add the grated ginger to the sugar syrup.
- Add a pinch of cardamom powder for flavor.
- Mix the ginger and cardamom into the syrup well.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (maida) into the mixture.
- Mix well to ensure there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Grease a plate or pan with ghee. (This is where you will pour the ginger mixture, so make sure it's well-greased to prevent sticking.)
- Pour the ginger mixture onto the greased plate/pan.
- Use a flat spoon greased with ghee to pat and flatten the mixture, creating an even layer on top.
- After a few minutes, while the mixture is still a little hot, use a blunt knife to cut it into pieces. (Ensure it's not too hot to handle.)
- Allow the candy to cool completely.
- Once cooled, break apart the pieces and store them in an airtight container.
Expert Tips
Use Tender Ginger:It's best to use tender ginger for making this candy, as it provides a milder and more pleasant flavor.
Alternative Option:If you can't find fresh ginger, you can use dry ginger powder (Sukku podi) instead. It works well and still gives the candy its distinct taste.
Ginger Preparation:Instead of grating the ginger, you can also grind it into a paste before adding it to the syrup. This method can be a bit easier and gives a smoother texture.
Enjoy in Moderation:While this sweet is delicious, it's best to enjoy it in moderation, as too much ginger candy can increase body heat.
Peel the Ginger:Always peel the skin off the ginger before using it. Using ginger with the skin on may not be healthy and could affect the taste and texture of the candy.
Storage Instruction
- Once made, Inji Murappa can be stored for over a month in an airtight container, allowing you to enjoy it for weeks.
I’m Santhiya Balaguru, A foodie, a passionate food lover from Madurai. My journey with food started from a young age, and I’ve always been eager to try new dishes. After completing my education, I worked in the IT industry in Chennai. There, I indulged in exploring various cuisines and shared my reviews with friends and family. This love for food eventually led me to experiment with cooking restaurant-style dishes at home.
