Kolukattai, also known as Kozhukattai or Modak, is a traditional South Indian sweet dish enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. This delectable treat is made from rice flour or wheat flour and filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. In addition to its delightful taste, Kolukattai holds cultural significance, often being offered as prasad (religious offering) during auspicious ceremonies.
Ingredients:
1. For the outer covering:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of salt
2. For the filling:
- 1 cup grated coconut
- ¾ cup grated jaggery
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
3. For garnish (optional):
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Cashews and raisins
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a pan on medium flame and add grated coconut and grated jaggery.
- Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and combines well with the coconut, forming a sticky mixture.
- Add cardamom powder for flavor and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and ghee.
- Gradually add rice flour to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Once the mixture forms a dough-like consistency, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Shape the Kolukattai:
- Take a small portion of the dough and flatten it with your fingers to form a small disc.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the disc.
- Carefully seal the edges of the disc to form a dumpling shape, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed within the dough. Repeat this process for the remaining dough and filling.
4. Steam the Kolukattai:
- Grease a steamer plate with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the shaped Kolukattai on the plate, leaving some space between each.
- Steam the Kolukattai for about 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through and the outer covering becomes translucent.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the Kolukattai from the steamer and brush them with a little ghee for added flavor.
- Optionally, you can garnish with roasted cashews and raisins for a decorative touch.
- Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Kolukattai with your loved ones.
Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to your preference by adding more or less jaggery.
- You can also experiment with different fillings such as sesame seeds, grated jaggery, and roasted nuts for variety.
- Ensure the dough is of the right consistency to easily shape the Kolukattai without cracking.
Conclusion:
Kolukattai is not just a culinary delight but also a symbol of tradition and festivity in South Indian households. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, making Kolukattai at home is a delightful experience that brings joy to both the cook and those who get to savor this delicious treat. So, why not try your hand at making Kolukattai and add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations?
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