Ulundu Kozhukattai Recipe – Uppu Kozhukattai/ Urad Dal Modak
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with the Ulundu Kozhukattai, a traditional Maharashtrian dish that beautifully marries the flavors of urad dal with a soft rice flour wrapper. These delightful dumplings, often associated with the festive celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, can also serve as a perfect snack or tea-time treat. The intricate process of creating these savory modaks brings both satisfaction and an authentic taste of Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| 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 | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig (finely chopped) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 Kozhukattai) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 mins |
| Cooking | 30 mins |
| Total Time | 40 mins |
| Servings | 12 |
Instructions
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Soak the Urad Dal: Start by soaking the white urad dal in 2 cups of water for about 3 to 4 hours. After soaking, drain the water completely.
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Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked dal with chopped green chillies, chopped ginger, salt, and asafoetida. Blend this mixture into a coarse batter using a food processor or blender.
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Steam the Filling: Transfer the batter into steamer plates or idli plates. Steam on high heat for about 10 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean. Once cooked, remove from the steamer and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the steamed lentils until smooth and without lumps.
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Prepare the Seasoning: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Stir in the crumbled steamed lentils and sauté for a few minutes until the mixture is well combined and aromatic. Set this aside to cool. Once cooled, divide the lentil mixture into 10-15 oval-shaped portions; these will serve as the savory filling for the rice wrapper.
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Make the Rice Wrapper: To create the wrapper, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a pan. Add salt and sunflower oil to the boiling water. Gradually add the rice flour while continuously stirring to form a dough. Once the mixture comes together, turn off the heat and transfer it to another bowl. Cover with a muslin cloth and let it rest for about 5 minutes; this will help the dough to become pliable.
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Knead the Dough: After resting, knead the dough with a bit of oil in your hands to ensure it is smooth and lump-free. Keep the dough covered with a wet muslin cloth to prevent it from drying out.
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Shape the Kozhukattai: Take a lemon-sized portion of the dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it in the palm of your hand to create a disc with a slight depression in the center. Place a portion of the urad dal filling in the center, then carefully bring the edges of the dough together to encase the filling, forming an oval shape.
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Repeat the Process: Continue this process with the remaining portions of dough and filling. Remember to keep your hands lightly oiled with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
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Steam the Kozhukattai: Prepare a steamer filled with water. Place the shaped Ulundu Kozhukattai on the steaming plates and steam for about 10 minutes, until they appear shiny and smooth. If they are not cooked, the rice wrapper will feel sticky.
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Serve: Once steamed, the Ulundu Kozhukattai (also known as Ukadiche Modaks) are ready for serving. These dumplings can be offered as a delicious treat during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival or enjoyed as a delightful snack alongside your afternoon tea.
Tips for Success
- Soaking Time: Make sure to soak the urad dal adequately to ensure it blends smoothly and cooks well.
- Avoid Stickiness: Keep dipping your fingers in sesame oil when handling the dough to prevent it from sticking.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the steamer before serving.
Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this traditional Maharashtrian delight, perfect for festive occasions or as a unique snack to share with family and friends!
