Authentic Coorg Style Kadumbuttu/Kadambuttu Recipe – Steamed Rice Balls Recipe
Coorg Style Kadumbuttu/Kadambuttu is a beloved and comforting South Indian dish, native to the picturesque Coorg region of Karnataka. Known for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients, this traditional recipe involves shaping a thick rice mixture into round balls and steaming them to perfection. The combination of rice rava (broken rice), fresh coconut, and a hint of ghee makes this dish a satisfying option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It pairs beautifully with a variety of curries, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Cuisine: Coorg
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice rava (broken rice) | 2 cups |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee (for kneading) | 1 tablespoon (or as needed) |
| Ghee (for greasing) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients and keep them ready. Grate the fresh coconut and set it aside. Ensure you have your ghee and rice rava on hand for easy access during the cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Rava Mixture
- In a saucepan, pour the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and add salt to the boiling water.
- Gradually add the rice rava into the water while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue stirring until the mixture starts thickening and resembling a porridge or upma-like consistency.
- Add the grated fresh coconut and stir until well incorporated. The mixture should now be thick and pudding-like.
- Once the mixture has thickened, turn off the heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to further cook the rice mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Kadumbuttu
- While the mixture is resting, prepare a cup of ghee for shaping the rice balls. Lightly grease your hands with ghee to prevent sticking.
- Take a tablespoon of the thickened rice mixture and, using your greased hands, shape it into a round ball. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture until you have formed all the rice balls.
Step 4: Steam the Kadumbuttu
- Grease a Dhokla pan or any steaming tray with a bit of ghee to ensure the rice balls do not stick.
- Place the shaped rice balls onto the pan, spacing them evenly.
- Set the pan in a steamer and steam the Kadumbuttu on high heat for about 10 minutes.
- Once the steaming time is up, turn off the heat and carefully remove the rice balls from the pan. Cover them and let them sit for a minute to retain their shape.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Coorg Style Kadumbuttu hot with a curry of your choice. It is traditionally enjoyed with a spicy or tangy curry, or sometimes even with a simple coconut chutney. These steamed rice balls also make an excellent accompaniment to a variety of lentil-based dals or sambar.
Tips for Perfect Kadumbuttu
- Rice Rava Substitute: If rice rava (broken rice) is unavailable, you can use regular rice flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Coconut Variation: If fresh coconut is not available, desiccated coconut can be used, although the flavor might not be as rich.
- Ghee for Flavor: The use of ghee not only helps with shaping but also imparts a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the steamed rice balls. Be sure to use it generously.
- Steaming Alternatives: If you don’t have a traditional steamer, you can use a steaming basket or even a large pot with a lid, as long as it allows steam to circulate freely around the rice balls.
Serving Suggestions
Coorg Style Kadumbuttu can be paired with a wide range of dishes:
- Coorgi Style Pandi Curry: The signature Coorgi pork curry, made with aromatic spices and tender pork, pairs wonderfully with these rice balls.
- Vegetarian Curries: A vegetable korma, spicy sambar, or coconut-based curry works beautifully with the Kadumbuttu for a wholesome meal.
- Chutneys: Serve with a side of tangy coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or a spicy coriander chutney for added flavor.
Conclusion
Coorg Style Kadumbuttu/Kadambuttu is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for those who love wholesome, vegetarian breakfasts. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the unique texture and flavor, makes it a memorable meal. Whether served with curry or enjoyed with chutneys, this dish offers a beautiful glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the Coorg region of Karnataka. Try this recipe and bring a taste of South India into your kitchen today!
