Assamese Style Mohura Pitha Recipe – Sweet Rice Dumplings
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique side dish to add to your meal repertoire, look no further than Assamese-style Mohura Pitha, a delightful sweet rice dumpling that is an essential part of Assamese cuisine. This recipe is a celebration of flavors with its aromatic filling of fresh coconut, jaggery, and roasted peanuts, paired with a soft rice flour dough. Whether served during festivals or as a simple snack, these dumplings are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Ingredients for Assamese Style Mohura Pitha (Sweet Rice Dumplings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup + 2 tablespoons extra |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1 cup |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 1/2 cup |
| Raw peanuts (Moongphali) (roasted) | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (6 servings total)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-200 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- 6 servings
Cuisine
- Assamese
Diet
- Vegetarian
Course
- Side Dish
Instructions for Making Assamese Style Mohura Pitha
Prepare the Stuffing:
- Heat the Filling: In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the grated coconut, powdered jaggery, and roasted peanuts. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir continuously to ensure the jaggery dissolves completely, and the coconut becomes slightly caramelized.
- Season the Filling: Add the cinnamon powder and black pepper powder to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Once the stuffing is fully mixed and aromatic, set it aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
- Boil the Water: In another pan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Make a Thick Rice Flour Solution: In a separate small bowl, take 2 tablespoons of water and add 1 teaspoon of rice flour to it. Stir to make a thick paste, then add this paste to the boiling water.
- Add Rice Flour: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add salt and the remaining rice flour all at once. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for about 3-4 minutes until the dough becomes thick and starts to come together.
- Let the Dough Sit: Once the dough has thickened, switch off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Let the dough sit for about 10 minutes to cool down slightly. This will allow the rice flour to fully absorb the water and form a smooth, soft dough.
Shape and Stuff the Dumplings:
- Knead the Dough: Once the dough has cooled enough to handle, knead it with your hands to make it soft and pliable. The dough should not be sticky but smooth and elastic.
- Form the Dumplings: Divide the dough into small portions, each about the size of a chapati ball. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Create a Hollow: Take each dough ball and, using your finger or thumb, press gently in the center to create a small indentation.
- Stuff the Dumplings: Spoon the prepared coconut and jaggery mixture into the center of each dough ball. Carefully pinch the edges of the dough to seal the filling inside. You can shape the dumplings into a round or oval shape, depending on your preference.
Steam the Dumplings:
- Steam the Dumplings: Arrange the filled dumplings in a steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Steam them for about 15 minutes, or until the dough becomes firm and the flavors have melded together.
Serve the Sweet Rice Dumplings:
- Cool and Serve: Once the dumplings are done, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as a side dish, perhaps alongside a comforting bowl of Vegetarian Thukpa for a light and satisfying meal.
These sweet rice dumplings are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or as part of a larger festive spread. With their unique combination of textures and flavors, they make a wonderful treat that’s both traditional and delicious.
Tips for the Perfect Assamese Mohura Pitha:
- Ensure the Filling Cools Completely: Make sure the coconut-jaggery mixture is cooled completely before using it as a filling. This will make the filling firm and easier to stuff inside the dough.
- Steaming Technique: Be sure to arrange the dumplings in a single layer when steaming them, as overlapping may cause them to stick together.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the stuffing. You can add a pinch of cardamom for extra flavor or mix in some roasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
Enjoy these delightful Assamese-style sweet rice dumplings, and let the flavors of Assam bring warmth and comfort to your table!
