Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka (Mini Steamed Sweet Dumplings Recipe)

The Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka, also known as Undlige, is a delicious and traditional sweet dish that is often made during festivals and special occasions in Karnataka. These mini steamed dumplings are made using rice flour, sweetened with jaggery, and flavored with fresh coconut and cardamom. The dumplings are lightly steamed, ensuring they retain their soft texture, and are then coated with a fragrant, sweet mixture of jaggery and coconut.

This dessert is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy option, as it uses minimal oil and is naturally sweetened with jaggery. It can be served after a flavorful Karnataka-style meal, such as Mavinakayi Chitranna (Spiced Raw Mango Tempered Rice) or Avalakki Bisi Bele Bhat (Flattened Rice with Lentils).

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Preparation Time

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

Cuisine

Karnataka cuisine

Course

Dessert

Diet

Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Dough:

   • Begin by boiling 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan.
   • Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat and gradually add the rice flour along with a pinch of salt.
   • Stir the mixture continuously to avoid lumps, and keep mixing until the rice flour fully absorbs the water and forms a dough.
   • Once the dough is combined, turn off the heat.
   • While the dough is still warm, grease your hands with a bit of ghee (clarified butter) and start shaping the dough into small round dumplings. Ensure the dumplings are smooth without any cracks.

2. Steam the Dumplings:

   • Heat an idli steamer or a dhokla steamer by adding water to the base.
   • Place the shaped dumplings on a greased steamer tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
   • Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes or until they are cooked through. They should appear glossy and firm once done.
   • Remove from the steamer and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Jaggery and Coconut Mixture:

   • In a small pan, heat the jaggery along with the grated coconut and cardamom seeds on medium heat.
   • Stir the mixture until the jaggery melts completely and combines well with the coconut, forming a sticky, sweet mixture. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
   • Be careful not to overcook the jaggery, as it may harden.

4. Coat the Dumplings:

   • Once the dumplings have cooled slightly, add them to the jaggery and coconut mixture in the pan.
   • Gently toss the dumplings in the sweet mixture until they are evenly coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka as a warm dessert, paired with traditional Karnataka meals like Mavinakayi Chitranna or Avalakki Bisi Bele Bhat.
   • Enjoy this delightful and lightly sweetened treat with family and friends!

Recipe Tips:

• Rice Flour Consistency: When preparing the rice flour dough, ensure that the water is hot enough to properly absorb the flour. If the dough seems too dry, you can sprinkle in a little extra water while mixing.

• Serving Ideas: This sweet dumpling dish is best enjoyed as part of a larger meal. You can serve it with savory Karnataka dishes to balance the flavors.

• Storage: These sweet dumplings can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh, as the texture tends to harden over time.

With its simplicity and natural sweetness, the Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka/Undlige Recipe is a true reflection of traditional Indian desserts, offering a soft, tender bite filled with the rich flavor of coconut and jaggery. It’s a perfect end to any festive meal or as a sweet snack during tea time. Enjoy!