Prawn Masala Kozhukattai Recipe – Prawn Masala Dumplings
Introduction
Delight your taste buds with this aromatic and flavorful Prawn Masala Kozhukattai — a South Indian delicacy that features soft, steamed rice flour dumplings filled with a rich and spicy prawn masala. Perfect for serving as a hearty appetizer or a delicious snack, these little dumplings are not only easy to make but also pack a punch in terms of flavor and texture. The combination of succulent prawns cooked with a blend of fragrant spices and a tender rice dough makes this recipe a must-try for anyone craving authentic South Indian flavors.
Cuisine
South Indian
Course
Appetizer
Diet
Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Prawn Masala Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prawns (cleaned, deveined, chopped) | 250 grams |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chilli (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | A small bunch |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies (broken) | 2 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Coconut Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 1 cup |
For the Kozhukattai Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 1 1/2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
50 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 35 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Prawn Masala Filling
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Heat the Oil: Start by heating coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and dry red chillies (broken), followed by curry leaves. Let them splutter and release their flavors.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add ginger and garlic to the pan, sautéing for a minute until fragrant. Then, add onions and cook for a few minutes until they soften and turn golden.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomato, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
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Add the Prawns: Stir in the chopped prawns and cook until they start turning pink. Add the fresh coconut and about a cup of water. Cover the pan and let it cook until the prawns are fully cooked and the masala has thickened up and dried out.
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Final Seasoning: Once the prawns are cooked, check for seasoning and adjust salt if necessary. Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Set this prawn masala filling aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Kozhukattai Dough
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Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the rice flour, water, and salt. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.
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Cook the Dough: Place the pan over medium heat and stir continuously. The mixture will begin to thicken after about 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid lumps, ensuring the dough is smooth and comes together without sticking to the sides of the pan.
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Test for Doneness: The dough is ready when it holds together in a smooth, non-sticky ball. You should be able to hold it with your hands without it falling apart.
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Cool the Dough: Once the dough reaches the right consistency, remove it from the heat. Transfer it to another container, cover it with a wet muslin cloth, and let it cool slightly, keeping it warm for assembling the dumplings.
Step 3: Assemble the Prawn Masala Kozhukattai
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Prepare Your Hands: Smear a little oil on your hands to prevent the dough from sticking.
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Shape the Dumplings: Take a lemon-sized portion of the rice flour dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly with your palms to form a small disc. Create a depression in the center of the disc with your fingers.
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Stuff the Dumplings: Place a spoonful of the prepared prawn masala filling into the center of the dough. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it into a neat dumpling shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and prawn masala filling.
Tip: Ensure the dough is not too thin; otherwise, the filling might spill out. Always keep the dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
Step 4: Steam the Dumplings
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Prepare the Steamer: Fill your steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
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Place the Kozhukattai in the Steamer: Arrange the stuffed Prawn Masala Kozhukattai in a steaming tray, leaving some space between each dumpling. Steam them over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes or until they become shiny and firm to touch. The rice flour wrapper should not be sticky to the touch when done.
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Serve: Once steamed, remove the dumplings from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Prawn Masala Kozhukattai makes an excellent appetizer or snack and is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or festive occasions. Serve them with a side of Light and Healthy Spinach Soup or a refreshing Chickpea Orange Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a complete meal. These dumplings pair wonderfully with coconut chutney or a tangy tamarind dipping sauce.
Tips & Notes
- Use fresh prawns for the best flavor. Ensure they are cleaned and deveined properly before use.
- Rice flour dough: The key to soft, non-sticky dumplings is to ensure the rice flour mixture is thickened properly and remains smooth. Stir constantly during cooking to prevent lumps.
- Dough consistency: If you find the dough too dry or crumbly, add a little more water and cook for a few more minutes until the texture improves.
- Steaming tip: For best results, steam the dumplings on medium heat rather than high to ensure even cooking without the wrapper becoming too tough.
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Kozhukattai) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90-100 kcal |
| Protein | 7-9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 8-10 grams |
| Fat | 4-5 grams |
| Fiber | 1-2 grams |
| Sodium | 120-150 mg |
Conclusion
These Prawn Masala Kozhukattai are not just delicious but also a true representation of South Indian culinary heritage. Soft, flavorful rice flour wrappers encase a spicy prawn filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The best part? They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests with their unique combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy this dish as a snack, a side dish, or even as a party appetizer, and revel in the authentic tastes of South India!
