Kolukattai, also known as Kozhukattai, is a traditional South Indian sweet dish made during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a steamed dumpling made with rice flour and stuffed with a sweet filling, typically made with coconut and jaggery. Here's a simple recipe to make Kolukattai at home:
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
For the filling:
- 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 1/2 cup grated jaggery (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add salt and ghee to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the rice flour to the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Once all the rice flour is added, continue to stir and cook the mixture until it forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove the dough from the heat and transfer it to a plate. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the grated coconut, grated jaggery, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Assemble the Kolukattai:
- Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Flatten the ball into a small disc or puri on your palm or on a flat surface.
- Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center of the disc.
- Gently fold the edges of the disc to enclose the filling and shape it into a dumpling. Pinch the edges to seal the dumpling.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling to make all the Kolukattai.
4. Steam the Kolukattai:
- Place the prepared Kolukattai in a steamer basket lined with a clean cloth or banana leaf to prevent sticking.
- Steam the Kolukattai over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and firm to the touch.
5. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the Kolukattai from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly.
- Serve the warm Kolukattai as a delicious sweet treat during festivals or special occasions.
Enjoy the homemade Kolukattai with your family and friends, and celebrate the festive spirit with this traditional South Indian delicacy!
