Tamil Nadu Kozhukattai Modak Style Steamed Sweet Dumpling

Ingredients

• For outer layer:
• 1.5 cups rice flour
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tsp oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• For filling:
• 1 cup freshly grated coconut
• 3/4 cup jaggery — grated
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds — dry-roasted

Method

1. Make filling: combine grated coconut and grated jaggery in a pan.
2. Cook on medium-low stirring for 5 minutes until jaggery melts and binds with coconut.
3. Add cardamom and sesame seeds. Cool completely.
4. Make dough: bring 1.5 cups water to a rolling boil with oil and salt.
5. Add rice flour all at once. Stir immediately with a spatula until it comes together as a dough.
6. Remove from heat. Knead with oiled hands while still hot until completely smooth and pliable. Keep covered with damp cloth.
7. Take a small ball of dough. In oiled palm press into a cup shape.
8. Fill with filling. Seal and shape into a crescent or modak shape.
9. Steam on medium for 12 to 15 minutes until outer layer is firm and slightly translucent.
10. Serve warm with ghee drizzled on top.