Foxtail Millet Uppu Kozhukattai Recipe
Are you craving a healthy snack to pair with your cup of masala chai? Do you enjoy traditional, flavorful recipes but also want something that aligns with your health-conscious lifestyle? If so, this Foxtail Millet Uppu Kozhukattai is the perfect snack for you! Traditionally made with rice flour, Uppu Kozhukattai is a popular South Indian savory steamed dumpling. We’ve swapped the rice flour with nutrient-packed foxtail millet to give you a healthier alternative that’s gluten-free, vegan, and full of delicious flavors. A perfect guilt-free treat for your ‘me time’, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Gingelly Oil (Sesame Oil) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | Handful |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | Handful |
| Onion (Finely Chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chillies (Finely Chopped) | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
Instructions
-
Soak the Foxtail Millet:
Begin by soaking foxtail millet in water for 4 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the excess water. -
Prepare the Mixture:
In a mixer grinder, add the soaked millet and dry red chillies. Pour in a cup of water and grind to form a coarse paste. Be careful not to add too much water—this will make the batter runny and cause the dumplings to become gummy. The consistency should be just thick enough to form small dumplings. Set the batter aside. -
Tempering the Spices:
Heat a medium kadai (pan) on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add gingelly oil. Let the oil heat up and then add mustard seeds. Let them splutter. Add urad dal, curry leaves, and coriander leaves. Sauté for a few seconds before adding the finely chopped green chillies and onion. Cook the onions until they become translucent. -
Mixing the Batter:
Once the onions are cooked, reduce the heat and add the coarsely ground millet batter to the pan. Stir continuously to combine all the ingredients. The batter will start to thicken as it cooks. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a dough-like consistency. -
Shaping the Dumplings:
Remove the pan from the heat once the mixture thickens. While it is still hot, use a spoon to scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small, round dumplings. Repeat with the remaining batter. -
Steaming the Dumplings:
Place the rolled dumplings in an idli cooker or a pressure cooker (without the weight). Steam the dumplings for 10 minutes, or until they turn shiny and firm to the touch. -
Serving:
Once the dumplings are steamed, transfer them to a serving plate. Serve Foxtail Millet Uppu Kozhukattai hot, accompanied by a warm cup of masala chai for the perfect snack experience.
Tips and Variations:
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chillies to your taste if you like it spicier.
- Texture: The key to perfect Uppu Kozhukattai is ensuring the batter is neither too runny nor too thick. Keep a close eye on the water ratio to achieve the right consistency.
- Add-ins: You can also experiment with adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or peas to the mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Steaming: If you don’t have an idli cooker or pressure cooker, you can steam the dumplings using a steamer basket as well.
Enjoy the fusion of health and taste with these Foxtail Millet Uppu Kozhukattai. They make a delightful and guilt-free snack option, especially for those looking to indulge in traditional South Indian flavors without compromising on health. Perfect for any time of the day, and especially with your favorite cup of chai!
