Pidi Kozhukattai (Steamed Rice Dumplings)

One of a very tasty tiffin, pidi kozhukattai  is steamed dumplings made from Rice Rava. Pidi in this case is hold and press --- the rice rava mixture is gently held and pressed to form an oblong shape; they are then steamed and served with choice accompaniments !
It is a very yummy breakfast/ brunch or dinner menu. 

The accompaniments  that go well with it are chutney (mint, coriander, coconut, tomato--- anything goes with it ) , gun powder with ghee ! My daughter relishes it with tomato ketchup!!!

So here' s my recipe---

Ingredients:-

• Raw rice (Pacharisi) - 1 cup
• Tuvar Dal - 1 tbsp
• Grated Coconut - 1 cup
• Water - 1 1/2 cups 
• Salt -to taste

For tempering:-

• Mustard Seeds, Urad Dal - 1 tbsp
• Red chillis- 2 to3 (to taste)
• Coconut Oil- 1 tbsp
• Curry leaves ( finely chopped ) - a few
• Asafoetida - a pinch or two

 How:-

First wash the rice well and soak in in water for 5- 10 minutes along with the dal. Drain the rice-dal mix and pat it dry with a towel to remove any moisture.

Coarsely pound the rice to get a rava/ sooji (semolina) texture.

In a thick bottomed pan add coconut oil and as it becomes hot allow mustard and urad dal to splutter. Add curry leaves and asafoetida. 

Now add the water and bring it to a boil. Add salt to taste and the grated coconut. 

Add the pounded rice rava while continuously stirring it to avoid any lumps.

The mix will get an upma consistency like this. Now allow it to cool a little.

In the meanwhile keep the idli moulds greased and ready for steaming.

Once the mix is of bearable heat take a small amount of it and gently hold and press in to an oblong shape. Repeat for the rest of the upma mix.

Steam these kozhukattais/dumplings in high flame for 15 minutes and let it steam for a few more minutes on a low flame.

Take off flame and  serve hot with chutney or any other accompaniment of your choice !!

Enjoy !!