Ulundu Kozhukattai Recipe (Uppu Kozhukattai/ Urad Dal Modak)
Description:
Ulundu Kozhukattai, also known as Ulutham Poornam Kozhukattai, is a savory steamed dumpling that holds cultural and festive significance in South Indian cuisine. It is traditionally prepared as an offering during the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls between August and September. These dumplings feature a flavorful filling made of steamed and seasoned urad dal encased in a soft rice flour wrapper. Perfect as a festival treat or an evening snack, this dish blends tradition, taste, and health in every bite.
Cuisine:
Maharashtrian Recipes
Course:
Snack
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| For the Filling | |
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1 cup (soaked for 4 hours) |
| Green Chillies | 2 (chopped) |
| Ginger | 1 inch (chopped) |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig (finely chopped) |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Urad Dal Filling
- Soak the Dal: Rinse the white urad dal thoroughly and soak it in 2 cups of water for about 3 to 4 hours. Once soaked, drain the water completely.
- Blend the Ingredients: Combine the soaked dal with green chillies, ginger, asafoetida, and salt. Grind into a coarse batter using a blender.
- Steam the Mixture: Spread the batter on a steamer plate or idli plate and steam on high heat for about 10 minutes. To ensure itโs cooked, insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Crumble: Remove the steamed batter and allow it to cool partially. Crumble it into a fine texture, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Season the Filling: Heat sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Stir in the crumbled lentils, curry leaves, and sautรฉ for a few minutes until the mixture is well combined.
- Shape the Filling: Allow the mixture to cool completely. Divide it into 10-15 oval-shaped portions and set aside.
Step 2: Making the Rice Flour Dough
- Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add salt and oil to the water.
- Mix the Rice Flour: Gradually add the rice flour into the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture comes together to form a dough-like consistency.
- Cool the Dough: Transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover it with a muslin cloth, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step ensures the dough becomes soft and pliable.
- Knead the Dough: Grease your hands with a little oil and knead the dough until it is smooth and lump-free. Always keep the dough covered with a wet muslin cloth to prevent it from drying.
Step 3: Assembling the Kozhukattai
- Form the Wrapper: Take a small lemon-sized portion of the dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball into a circular disc in your palm, ensuring the edges are thinner than the center.
- Add the Filling: Place an oval portion of the urad dal filling in the center of the disc. Gently bring the edges together to enclose the filling, forming an oval-shaped dumpling.
- Repeat the Process: Continue with the remaining dough and filling, ensuring your hands are greased with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Steaming the Kozhukattai
- Prepare the Steamer: Add water to the steamer and bring it to a boil. Grease the steamer plate lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Steam the Dumplings: Arrange the shaped dumplings on the steamer plate, ensuring they donโt touch each other. Steam for about 10 minutes or until the dumplings appear shiny and smooth.
- Check for Doneness: If the rice wrapper feels sticky, steam for a few more minutes. Properly steamed dumplings will have a soft, non-sticky exterior.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Ulundu Kozhukattai warm as a festive treat for Ganesh Chaturthi or as a wholesome tea-time snack.
- Pair with coconut chutney or any tangy dipping sauce for an added flavor dimension.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with the soulful and savory taste of Ulundu Kozhukattai. These delicately steamed dumplings offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an essential part of festive culinary traditions. Whether as a prasad (offering) to the deity or as a snack to share with loved ones, this recipe is a delightful way to honor tradition and taste.
