Kozhukattai - A South Indian Delicacy

Kozhukkattai (Mothagam in Sanskrit) is a famous South Indian Sweet. It is usually prepared on "Ganesh Chaturthi" or the birthday of Ganesha (the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity).It falls on the fourth day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada around August - September. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Mothagam is his favorite sweet. Kozhukattais are steamed rice balls with sweet coconut stuffing. Its a mouthwatering dish. There are many varieties of kozhukattai of which coconut stuffed kozhukattai is the "King of Kozhukattais".

RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS :

For the stuffing:

1 cup fresh grated coconut
3/4 cup (250 gms approx.) grated jaggery
1/4tsp. cardamom powder

For the outer shell:

3 cups rice
2 tsp. Coconut oil or any other cooking oil
3 tsp. ghee
1 tsp. milk
A pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS:

The stuffing:

1. Fry the grated coconut in a pan.
2. When the coconut becomes dry add the grated jaggery to it.The jaggery will begin to melt.
3. Mix them well until the contents leave the side of the pan.
4. Remove from fire and add a pinch of cardomom powder.

The rice flour coating:

1. Soak the rice in water for a minute and spread it in a large plate or sheet for it to dry.
2. When there is little moisture in the rice, grind the rice into flour (smooth).
3. Heat a pan and add 2 tsp of oil.
4. Add 1½ cups of water, 1 tsp. milk and pinch of salt and boil.
5. Once the water boils,remove it from fire.
6. Pour the boiled water slowly into the rice flour and keep mixing the rice flour until it turns into a smooth batter without lumps.

To prepare kozhukkattais:

1. Knead the rice flour dough well.
2. Take a lime sized portion and form into a cup or small circles.
3. Smear little ghee on your finger tips to make it easier to handle the dough.
4. Put a smaller size ball of the coconut stuffing inside and close from all sides and pinch the ends together.
5. Repeat the same procedure, till the dough is used up.
6. Apply little ghee on the plates of the steamer.
7. Steam the kozhukkattais in a steamer for ten to fifteen minutes.
8. The kozhukattai is ready to be served.
   

Note :
If banana leaves are available, place the kozhukkattais on the banana leaf and steam.