Kozhukkatta, also spelled as “Kozhukattai,” is a popular South Indian and Sri Lankan rice flour dumpling or steamed rice cake.
It is a traditional dish often prepared during festivals and special occasions, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi in India.
Kozhukkatta can be sweet or savory, and the preparation may vary slightly depending on the region and individual preferences.
Here’s a basic recipe for sweet kozhukkatta:
Ingredients:
For the outer dough:
1 cup rice flour
A pinch of salt
1-1.5 cups of water (adjust as needed)
For the sweet filling:
Grated coconut
Jaggery (or sugar) to taste
Cardamom powder for flavor
Instructions:
Boil water in a pan, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Gradually add the rice flour while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture until it forms a dough-like consistency. Make sure it’s not too dry or too sticky. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, prepare the sweet filling. In a separate pan, melt jaggery (or sugar) with a little water. Add grated coconut and cardamom powder. Cook until the mixture thickens and turns into a sticky, sweet filling.
Divide the rice dough into small portions and shape them into small cups or balls.
Flatten each rice dough portion into a small disc or cup using your fingers. Place a small amount of the sweet coconut filling in the center.
Carefully seal the edges to form a dumpling shape. Make sure there are no openings.
Steam the kozhukkatta dumplings in a steamer for about 10-15 minutes or until they become firm and cooked through.
Once done, let them cool for a few minutes, and your sweet kozhukkatta is ready to be served.
You can also make savory kozhukkatta by using a spiced filling, such as a mixture of grated coconut, grated vegetables, and various seasonings.
The process for making savory kozhukkatta is quite similar to the sweet version, with the main difference being the filling used.
Kozhukkatta is a delicious and versatile dish enjoyed by people in South India and Sri Lanka, and it can be made in different variations to suit various tastes and occasions.
