Pidi Kozhukkattai – Steamed Sweet and Hot Dumpling

Pidi Kozhukkattai or Steamed Rice Dumpling is a South Indian delicacy which is made for an evening snack or tiffin. There are two types, sweet and the spicy version. It is more like making upma and then steaming it. So it is also known as Upma Kozhukkattai. The spicy dumpling is generally served with coconut chutney or by itself. It is very easy to make and perfect for kids and adults.

Ingredients:

For Sweet Dumpling:

• Rice – 1 cup
• Shredded coconut – 3 tbsp
• Crus ed jaggery – 1 cup
• Cardamom – 2 count
• Water

Method of Preparation:

1. Wash rice, strain it and dry it on a clean cotton towel or paper towel. Spread it well so that it helps in drying.
2. Once the rice is dried, grind it coarsely like rawa/sooji.
3. Separate into two halves and measure the quantity.
4. Pressure cook one half of the ground rice with water in the ratio 1:2 (say for 1 cup of ground rice with two cups of water).
5. In the mean time, in another deep pan add the crushed jaggery in the ratio 1:1.25 (for 1 cup of ground rice, 1 and 1/4 cup of crushed jaggery)  and 1/4 cup of water. Once it is completely dissolved in water, filter the jaggery syrup to remove any dirt.
6. Clean the pan and add the jaggery syrup back to the pan and heat it.
7. When it starts boiling add shredded coconut and powdered cardamom.
8. When it start starts thickening and sticky add the ground rice and keep on mixing to avoid any lumps. Add a little hot water if required.
9. After a few minutes of mixing when it becomes a thick mixture like upma, remove from heat and let it cool.
10. Take a handful of mixture and make oval shaped dumpling of desired size.
11. Once you are done, grease your idli plates and place the dumpling and steam cook for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your cooker. (just like how you make idlis).
12. Sweet dumplings are ready.

For Spicy Dumpling (Upma Kozhukkattai):

• Ground rice – remaining half
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Urad dal – 1 tsp
• Dried red chilly –  3
• Shredded coconut – 2 tbsp
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Water

Method of Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a wide deep pan and add mustard seeds.
2. When it splutters, add urad dal, dried red chillies and curry leaves.
3. When urad dal becomes golden brown, add water in the ratio 1:2.5 (water to ground rice ratio: for 1 cup rice 2 and 1/2 cup of water).
4. When water starts boiling add salt and shredded coconut.
5. After 2 minutes add the ground rice and keep on mixing till it becomes a thick mixture like upma.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool.
7. Make oval shaped dumplings and steam cook just like sweet dumplings.
8. Serve hot with chutney.

🙂 Serve hot with coconut chutney.