Uppu Kozhukattai

Ingredients

• - 2 cups main flour or batter base
• - 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 2 tbsp sesame oil or ghee
• - Salt to taste
• - Accompaniment chutney or sambar

Method

1. Make rice flour dough: Mix 2 cups rice flour with 1.5 tsp salt. Add 1.5 cups boiling water gradually while stirring. Knead into a soft smooth dough.
2. Add aromatics to dough: Knead in 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 green chillies (finely chopped), 2 tbsp freshly grated coconut and a pinch of asafoetida.
3. Divide dough: Divide into 15-18 small balls — these are the savoury version.
4. Shape: Grease your palm. Roll each ball between palms into a smooth round shape.
5. Make a dimple: Press your thumb gently into the centre of each kozhukattai to make a small depression.
6. Prepare steamer: Fill steamer with water and bring to a rolling boil.
7. Grease plates: Grease idli plates or banana leaf with oil.
8. Arrange: Place shaped kozhukattai on greased plates leaving space between each.
9. Steam: Steam covered for 10-12 minutes.
10. Serve: Uppu kozhukattai is a savoury Tamil steamed rice ball — simple and comforting. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar.