Kothamalli Kozhukattai (Coriander Rice) – A South Indian Delight
If you’re looking to add something vibrant and flavorful to your dinner table, Kothamalli Kozhukattai (also known as Coriander Rice or Coriander Rice Dumplings) is an ideal choice. A delightful dish from South India, it blends the goodness of rice and lentils with the earthy flavors of fresh coriander and aromatic spices, resulting in soft, steamed rice balls that are perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. The traditional recipe uses simple, yet rich ingredients such as rice, dals, and freshly grated coconut, and comes together in a beautiful, aromatic dish that pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney or ginger cardamom chai.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 2-1/2 cups |
| Coconut oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 5 teaspoons |
| Green chillies | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 15 leaves |
| Salt | As needed |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania) | 4 sprigs |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
2 servings
Cuisine
South Indian
Course
Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
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Grind the Base Ingredients: Begin by grinding the rice in a mixer grinder until you get a coarse texture similar to semolina (rice rawa). Similarly, grind the dals (Arhar dal and Chana dal) into a coarse mixture known as dal rawa.
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Prepare the Spices and Tempering: Heat coconut oil in a non-stick tawa or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, releasing their aroma. This forms the base of the dish’s spice tempering.
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Add the Aromatics: Once the mustard seeds have spluttered, add the green chillies, cumin seeds, and asafoetida (hing). Stir briefly, allowing the spices to infuse the oil.
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Cook the Mixture: Add the water and bring it to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the rice rawa, dal rawa, and grated coconut. Stir everything well, ensuring that the mixture is evenly distributed in the water.
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Simmer and Absorb the Water: Allow the mixture to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all the water is absorbed. The consistency should resemble a soft, slightly sticky dough. At this point, check for salt and add according to taste. Turn off the heat.
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Cool the Mixture: Let the mixture sit aside for a few minutes to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when shaping the dumplings.
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Shape the Kozhukattai: Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into elliptical balls (Kozhukattai). If necessary, wet your hands slightly to avoid sticking.
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Steam the Kozhukattai: Arrange the formed Kozhukattai on idli plates or a steaming rack. Steam the balls for 10 to 15 minutes or until they are firm and cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once steamed, Kothamalli Kozhukattai is ready to serve! Pair them with traditional South Indian coconut chutney and a hot cup of ginger cardamom chai for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Kothamalli Kozhukattai
- Rice Texture: The key to getting the right consistency for the Kozhukattai is to grind the rice into a coarse texture, almost like semolina, which helps in binding the ingredients together while cooking.
- Water Adjustment: The amount of water used in the recipe may vary slightly depending on the quality of rice. Always add a bit more water if the mixture feels too dry.
- Grated Coconut: Fresh coconut enhances the flavor of this dish. If you can’t find fresh coconut, desiccated coconut will work as a substitute, though fresh is preferred for authenticity.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Vitamin C | 4% of daily value |
| Iron | 10% of daily value |
Kothamalli Kozhukattai is not just a flavorful dish but a wholesome and nutritious one, perfect for a vegetarian dinner. The rice and dals provide a good amount of protein and fiber, while the coriander and spices add aromatic richness and depth to the flavor profile. It’s a perfect example of South Indian cooking, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly special.
Enjoy your meal and share the joy of South Indian cuisine with loved ones!
