Kerala Kinnathappam: Steamed Coconut Plate Cake Dessert

Kinnathappam: Traditional Kerala Steamed Plate Cake
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Kerala
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 6-8 servings

Introduction:
Kinnathappam is a traditional Kerala dessert, especially popular during Ramadan among Muslim households, but it’s perfect for any occasion. This soft, wiggly, and flavorful steamed plate cake offers a delightful contrast of textures with the sweetness of sugar and the earthy aroma of cardamom. The recipe is simple and quick, making it an excellent treat to prepare when guests arrive unexpectedly or as a delicious end to a home-cooked meal. With a minimal list of ingredients, this dessert can be prepared in just a few steps, making it ideal for beginner cooks or anyone in search of a quick, tasty dessert.

Ingredients

Instructions:

1. Soak the Rice: Begin by thoroughly washing the basmati rice. Soak it in water for about 3 hours. This step is crucial as it softens the rice, allowing it to blend into a smooth batter when ground.

2. Grind the Rice and Coconut: After the rice has soaked, drain the water and transfer the rice to a mixer. Add the grated fresh coconut and 3/4 cup of water to the mixer. Blend everything together to form a smooth, slightly thick batter. Once blended, transfer the mixture to a bowl and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Flavoring: In the same mixer, add the sugar, cardamom powder, and the whole egg. Blend until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth. This addition of sugar and cardamom is what gives Kinnathappam its signature sweet aroma.

4. Combine the Mixtures: Pour the egg-sugar mixture into the rice-coconut batter you set aside earlier. Mix both mixtures together until everything is well incorporated. The batter should have a consistency that’s neither too thick nor too runny. If necessary, adjust by adding a little water.

5. Strain the Batter: To ensure the batter is smooth and free of coarse particles, strain it through a fine sieve. This step helps to achieve the perfect texture for the Kinnathappam.

6. Prepare the Steaming Bowl: Grease a steel bowl with a teaspoon of oil. This will prevent the batter from sticking to the bowl during the steaming process. Once the bowl is ready, pour the strained batter into it.

7. Steam the Kinnathappam: Sprinkle cumin seeds over the top of the batter for an added burst of flavor. Now, place the prepared bowl into a steamer. Cover and steam for about 20-25 minutes or until the Kinnathappam turns firm and set. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife or a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the Kinnathappam is ready.

8. Cool and Unmold: Once cooked, remove the bowl from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the sides of the bowl. Invert the bowl onto a plate and gently remove the bowl to reveal the Kinnathappam.

9. Slice and Serve: Slice the Kinnathappam into squares or wedges and serve. This sweet dish pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or as a light dessert after a heavy meal.

Serving Suggestions:
Kinnathappam is delightful on its own, but for an even more memorable experience, serve it alongside other Kerala snacks like Mahunada Khaja and Thotakura Undalu. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this sweet treat is sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving based on the ingredients listed:

Tips for Success:

• Ensure that the rice is soaked properly, as this plays a vital role in the smoothness of the batter.
• Fresh coconut provides the best flavor for Kinnathappam, but if you cannot find it, desiccated coconut can be used as a substitute.
• You can add a few more whole cardamom pods for a richer cardamom flavor if you prefer it stronger.

This simple yet flavorful dish is sure to bring a little taste of Kerala into your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful texture and taste of Kinnathappam with your loved ones, making it a special part of your culinary repertoire.