Authentic Kozhikatta Recipe: A Taste of Southern India

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Rice Flour
  • 1.5 cups of Water
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 teaspoon of Oil
  • 1/2 cup of Grated Coconut
  • 1/2 cup of Jaggery
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Cardamom Powder
  • 1 tablespoon of Ghee

Steps and instructions

  1. In a pan, melt the jaggery with a little water. Once melted, strain to remove any impurities.
  2. Return the jaggery syrup to the pan and add the grated coconut. Cook on a low flame, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
  3. Add the cardamom powder to the coconut-jaggery mixture, mix well, and set aside to cool.
  4. In a separate pot, bring water to boil. Add salt and oil, then slowly add the rice flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  5. Once the rice flour mixture thickens to a dough-like consistency, remove from heat and let it cool.
  6. Knead the dough well until it becomes smooth. If it's too sticky, add a little more rice flour. If it's too dry, add a little warm water.
  7. Pinch off small portions of the dough and flatten them into thin disks. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center of each disk.
  8. Bring the edges of the disk together and seal them to form a ball. Make sure the filling is completely enclosed within the dough.
  9. Place the balls in a steamer and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
  10. Remove from the steamer and serve warm. Drizzle with ghee before serving for added flavor.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for melting the jaggery and cooking the coconut filling.
  • Pot - A pot for boiling water and cooking the rice flour dough.
  • Strainer - A fine mesh strainer to strain the jaggery syrup and remove any impurities.
  • Steamer - A steamer to steam the kozhikatta until they are cooked through.
  • Spoon - A spoon for stirring the jaggery syrup, coconut filling, and rice flour dough.
  • Knife - A knife to cut the jaggery into smaller pieces and to shape the kozhikatta.
  • Grater - A grater to grate the coconut for the filling.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups to accurately measure the rice flour, water, and jaggery.
  • Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl to knead the rice flour dough.
  • Steaming Plate - A plate or tray to hold the kozhikatta while steaming.

Recipe variations

  • Using Whole Wheat Flour instead of Rice Flour
  • Adding a pinch of Cardamom Powder to the dough for extra flavor
  • Replacing Jaggery with Brown Sugar or Honey for a different sweetness
  • Adding chopped nuts such as almonds or cashews to the coconut-jaggery filling
  • Adding a hint of saffron strands to the coconut-jaggery mixture for a vibrant color and flavor
  • Making a savory version by substituting the sweet filling with a spiced mixture of vegetables or lentils
  • Adding a dash of rose water or orange blossom water to the dough for a floral aroma
  • Replacing grated coconut with desiccated coconut or coconut milk in the filling
  • Incorporating mashed bananas into the dough for a fruity twist
  • Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or grated coconut on top

Recipe overview

Kozhikatta is a delightful traditional South Indian dish, particularly popular in Kerala. These steamed rice dumplings are filled with a delectable mixture of jaggery and grated coconut, lending them a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The dish is often prepared during festive occasions and is a favorite during Christian feasts. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Kozhikatta at home. It involves making the coconut-jaggery stuffing, preparing the rice dough, and then steaming the dumplings. The end result is a delightful dessert or snack that's not overly sweet but absolutely delightful in taste. Drizzling some ghee over the warm Kozhikatta enhances the flavor even further. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought rice flour? Yes, you can use store-bought rice flour for this recipe.
  2. Can I substitute jaggery with sugar? Yes, you can substitute jaggery with an equal amount of sugar if desired.
  3. Can I use desiccated coconut instead of grated coconut? Yes, you can use desiccated coconut instead of grated coconut, but rehydrate it with a little warm water before using.
  4. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  5. Can I freeze the prepared kozhikatta? Yes, you can freeze the prepared kozhikatta in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Thaw before reheating.
  6. Can I steam kozhikatta without a steamer? If you don't have a steamer, you can use a makeshift steamer by placing a heat-resistant plate or colander inside a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add water to the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the plate or colander, and steam as instructed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl for combining the rice flour, water, salt, and oil.
  • Pan - Used for melting the jaggery and cooking the coconut-jaggery mixture.
  • Strainer - To strain the melted jaggery and remove any impurities.
  • Pot - For boiling water and cooking the rice flour mixture.
  • Steamer - Used to steam the prepared kozhikattas until they are cooked.
  • Spoon - For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Knife - For cutting and shaping the dough and dividing the kozhikattas.
  • Plate - To serve the steamed kozhikattas.

Origin stories

Kozhikatta, also known as kozhukattai or modak, is a popular sweet delicacy in the southern states of India, particularly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka. This delightful treat is closely associated with the Hindu elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha. It is traditionally prepared and offered during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi as it is believed to be Lord Ganesha's favorite food. The sweet filling inside the rice flour dumpling represents the sweet rewards of seeking wisdom and the hard shell signifies the effort involved in acquiring it. In addition to religious significance, Kozhikatta is also a favored snack during family gatherings, symbolizing unity and togetherness. It's not just a dumpling, but an embodiment of tradition, faith, and familial bond.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.