Samai Arisi Pidi Kozhukattai (Tamil Nadu Breakfast Recipe)
A beloved and wholesome South Indian breakfast, Samai Arisi Pidi Kozhukattai is a traditional Tamil Nadu dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. The dish features Samai Arisi (small millet), combined with a delicious tempering of aromatic spices and mixed with protein-rich moong dal, offering a nutrient-packed start to the day. This easy-to-make, diabetic-friendly recipe is light yet filling and pairs perfectly with a bowl of tangy sambar.
This dish is naturally gluten-free and uses millets, making it a wonderful alternative to rice-based breakfasts. The delicate steamed dumplings, or pidi kozhukattai, are soft, savory, and infused with the warmth of ginger, curry leaves, and black pepper. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful breakfast or even a tea-time snack, this dish brings the best of Tamil Naduβs culinary traditions to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed millets (Samai Arisi) | 1 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (split) | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame (gingelly) oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera), coarsely powdered | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger, grated or finely chopped | 1 inch |
| Black peppercorns, coarsely powdered | 3-4 whole |
| Green chilies, roughly chopped | 3-4 |
| Curry leaves, roughly chopped | 1 sprig |
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Dumpling) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100-120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18-20g |
| Protein | 3-4g |
| Fat | 2-3g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
| Sodium | 100-150 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Instructions
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and soaking the Samai Arisi (millets) in water for approximately 30 minutes. This helps soften the grains, allowing them to cook better. While the millets are soaking, wash and boil the Yellow Moong Dal (split) in another pot, and set it aside once cooked.
Step 2: Temper the Spices
Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over low flame and add Sesame Oil (gingelly oil). Once the oil is hot, add the Mustard Seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds, then add Cumin Seeds (coarsely powdered), Chana Dal (Bengal gram), and White Urad Dal (split). Stir the ingredients for a minute until they begin to turn golden brown and release their aromatic fragrance.
Step 3: Add Ginger and Chilies
Next, add the grated or finely chopped Ginger, followed by the Green Chilies and Curry Leaves. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the oil with their flavors. Finally, add the coarsely powdered Black Peppercorns to enhance the dish’s spice level.
Step 4: Cook the Millets
Add 2 cups of water to the pan with the tempered spices. Sprinkle in the required amount of Salt to taste. Stir well, and once the water begins to simmer, drain the soaked Samai Arisi and add it to the pan. Let the rice cook over low heat for 7-8 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Step 5: Add Moong Dal and Mix
Once the samai rice has softened, add the cooked Moong Dal to the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the dal and rice. Continue to cook until the excess water is absorbed and the mixture comes together in a dry, thick consistency. At this point, the mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when formed into dumplings.
Step 6: Shape the Dumplings
Turn off the flame and allow the mixture to cool for 5-7 minutes. Once slightly cooled, grease your hands with oil and begin shaping the mixture into small dumplings (known as pidi). You can shape them into round or oblong shapes, as per your preference.
Step 7: Steam the Dumplings
Grease a steaming vessel or a steaming plate and arrange the shaped dumplings in it. Steam them for 10 minutes, ensuring the dumplings are cooked through and slightly firm. After 10 minutes, turn off the steamer.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are ready, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a minute. Serve your Samai Arisi Pidi Kozhukattai with a side of Sambar or your favorite chutney for an authentic South Indian breakfast experience.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is delicious on its own, pairing it with a warm bowl of Sambar or a tangy Coconut Chutney enhances its flavor profile. You can also enjoy it with a hot cup of Filter Coffee to complete your traditional Tamil Nadu breakfast.
Tips
- Millet Variations: You can experiment with different types of millets, such as Kodo Millet or Foxtail Millet, depending on availability. These will work equally well for this recipe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of Green Chilies and Black Peppercorns according to your spice tolerance. You can make it milder by reducing the chili quantity.
- Texture: The dumplings are typically soft and slightly sticky. If you find the mixture too wet to shape, add a little more millet flour or rice flour to help bind it.
- Steaming Tip: If you donβt have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a steamer basket or a simple metal colander placed over a boiling pot of water.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You:
- Diabetic-Friendly: Millets are known for their low glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for diabetic-friendly meals. This dish helps in managing blood sugar levels while providing steady energy throughout the day.
- Protein-Packed: The combination of Moong Dal (yellow split gram) and millets provides a good amount of protein, making it a great option for a filling breakfast or snack.
- Gluten-Free: With no wheat flour involved, this dish is entirely gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
- Easily Digestible: Thanks to the gentle cooking method and the use of simple, wholesome ingredients, Samai Arisi Pidi Kozhukattai is easy on the stomach and is a great choice for anyone looking for a light yet nutritious meal.
Whether you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine or looking for a healthy breakfast option, Samai Arisi Pidi Kozhukattai is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of Tamil Nadu right at home with this satisfying and wholesome dish!
