Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka/ Undlige (Mini Steamed Sweet Dumplings)
Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka/ Undlige, also known as “Ammini Kozhakkattai” in Tamil, is a traditional sweet dish hailing from the southern state of Karnataka. The word “Seke” means steam, while “Undlaka” translates to small dumplings, reflecting the essence of this dish: mini steamed dumplings made from rice flour, which are infused with the sweetness of jaggery, the aromatic fragrance of cardamom, and the refreshing texture of fresh coconut. This delightful dessert is often enjoyed during festivals, special occasions, or as a satisfying sweet treat to accompany meals. The method is simple, yet the outcome is a deliciously soft, mildly sweet dumpling thatβs perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Rice Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
For the Sweet Mixture:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jaggery | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coconut | 4 tablespoons |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 |
Preparation Time:
0 minutes (active prep time only)
Note: This recipe doesnβt require any advance preparation time as the ingredients are fresh and easy to access.
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
(Allowing sufficient time for the dumplings to cook, steam, and absorb the sweet mixture).
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Dumplings
- Start by boiling water in a saucepan, using about half a cup of water for the dumplings.
- Once the water begins to boil, add in the rice flour and a pinch of salt.
- Mix continuously until the rice flour fully combines with the water and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Once the dough is formed, switch off the heat. Allow it to cool slightly.
- While the dough is still warm, grease your palms with some ghee and begin shaping the dough into small round dumplings.
Step 2: Steam the Dumplings
- Prepare your steamer (idli or dhokla steamer works great) by heating it up.
- Place the small rice flour dumplings inside the steamer and steam them for about 10 minutes until they become soft and fully cooked.
- Once steamed, remove them from the steamer and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Mixture
- In a separate pan, add jaggery, fresh coconut, and cardamom pods.
- Allow the jaggery to melt on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesnβt burn.
- Once the jaggery is melted and the mixture is well combined, remove it from the heat.
Step 4: Coat the Dumplings with Sweet Mixture
- Carefully add the steamed rice dumplings into the pan with the jaggery-coconut mixture.
- Toss the dumplings gently, ensuring each dumpling is coated nicely with the sweet, sticky mixture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka/ Undlige (Mini Steamed Sweet Dumplings) as a delectable dessert after a hearty meal.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a meal of Mavinakayi Chitranna (Spiced Raw Mango Tempered Rice) or Avalakki Bisi Bele Bhat (Spicy Rice and Lentil Dish) for a true Karnataka feast.
Tips:
- The dumplings can be stored for a couple of days in an airtight container, but they taste best when fresh.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less jaggery to suit your taste.
- For extra flavor, feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds or a handful of roasted cashews.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120-140 (approx. based on serving size)
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g (from jaggery)
- Fiber: 2g
Karnataka Style Seke Undlaka/ Undlige offers a delightful combination of textures, flavors, and tradition, making it a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of South Indian sweets. The sweet, fragrant, and soft dumplings, combined with the richness of jaggery and coconut, are sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether enjoyed as a dessert after a grand feast or as a light snack, these mini steamed sweet dumplings will leave you craving for more!
