Mangalorean Style Masala Pundi Recipe – Steamed Rice Dumplings in Onion Gravy
Description: Mangalorean Style Masala Pundi is a comforting, hearty breakfast dish originating from coastal Karnataka, India. This recipe features steamed rice dumplings made with dosa rice and fresh coconut, served in a rich and flavorful onion coconut gravy. It’s a dish that’s perfect for mornings when you crave something filling yet light. The dumplings absorb the aromatic spices and flavors from the gravy, creating a satisfying combination of textures and tastes.
Cuisine: Mangalorean
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pundi (Rice Dumplings):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dosa rice | 1 cup, washed and dried completely |
| Fresh coconut | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
For the Onion Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, chopped |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Tamarind water | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania) | 1 sprig, chopped |
For Roasting and Grinding:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coriander seeds (Dhania) | 2 tablespoons |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| White Urad dal (split) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry red chillies | 2 |
| Fresh coconut | 4 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
Step 1: Making the Pundi (Rice Dumplings)
- Prepare the Rice: Wash the dosa rice thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
- Grind the Rice: Once the rice is dry, grind it in a mixer to a coarse consistency. Add the grated fresh coconut and blitz again to combine. Set the mixture aside.
- Cook the Rice Mixture: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add salt. Gradually add the ground rice mixture while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Thicken the Mixture: Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the saucepan. Once the mixture reaches this consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Shape the Dumplings: Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, form small lemon-sized balls using your hands and set them aside.
- Steam the Dumplings: Prepare a vegetable steamer with enough water for steaming. Place the rice dumplings on the steamer tray and steam them for approximately 20 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Onion Gravy
- Roast the Spices: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, and roast for about 10 seconds. Add the dry red chillies, cumin seeds, and urad dal, continuing to roast for another 10 seconds. Transfer the roasted spices to a grinder and blend them along with fresh coconut to form a smooth paste. Add a small amount of water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Cook the Gravy: In a kadai (wok), heat some oil. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the curry leaves and asafoetida (hing) and let them crackle. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
- Add Spices and Tamarind: Add turmeric powder, the ground spice paste, and tamarind water to the pan. Stir well, and check for salt. If needed, adjust seasoning with more salt and water to reach your desired consistency. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Serving
- Assemble the Dish: Once the dumplings are steamed, place them on a serving plate. Pour the hot onion gravy over the dumplings, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Mangalorean Style Masala Pundi hot with a side of Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Tea) for a truly satisfying breakfast experience.
Tips and Variations
- Consistency of Gravy: If the gravy is too thick, you can always add more water to achieve the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the dumplings but not so thick that it becomes dry.
- Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as potatoes or carrots to the gravy for a more substantial dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chillies used in the spice paste to control the heat level of the dish.
- For a Richer Gravy: You can increase the amount of fresh coconut used in the gravy to make it creamier and richer in texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200-250 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Saturated Fat | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are estimated and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
Enjoy this Mangalorean-style breakfast that’s sure to fill you up and leave you with a sense of contentment. The soft, aromatic rice dumplings paired with the tangy and spicy onion gravy make for a truly unique and unforgettable dish that you can enjoy with your loved ones.
