Prawn Masala Kozhukattai Recipe – Prawn Masala Dumplings
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our Prawn Masala Kozhukattai, a traditional South Indian treat that perfectly combines succulent prawns with a flavorful spice blend, all wrapped in a delicate rice flour dumpling. These delightful dumplings are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing addition to any appetizer spread, making them perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prawns (cleaned) | 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 (Dhania) leaves (finely chopped) | small bunch |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Coconut oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Water (for filling) | 1 cup |
| Rice flour | 1-1/2 cups |
| Water (for dough) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt (for dough) | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 50 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 95 minutes |
Servings
| Number of Servings | 4 |
Instructions
Preparing the Prawn Filling
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Prep Ingredients: Begin by gathering and preparing all the ingredients. Ensure that the prawns are cleaned and deveined, and chop the onion, tomato, green chili, ginger, garlic, and coriander leaves finely.
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Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then, introduce the broken dry red chillies and curry leaves.
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Sautรฉ Aromatics: Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and onion to the pan. Sautรฉ the mixture for a few minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent.
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Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook this mixture until the tomatoes break down and become mushy, releasing their juices.
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Cook the Prawns: Stir in the chopped prawns and grated coconut. Add a splash of water if needed. Cover the pan and let it simmer until the prawns are cooked through and the masala thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Finish the Filling: Once cooked, check the seasoning and adjust the salt and spices as needed. Garnish the filling with finely chopped coriander leaves and set it aside to cool.
Preparing the Kozhukattai Wrapper
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Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the rice flour, 1-1/2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a smooth batter.
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Cook the Mixture: Turn the heat to medium. Continuously stir the mixture until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a dough-like consistency. This process typically takes 15-20 minutes.
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Check for Doneness: To test if the dough is ready, lift a small amount with a spatula; it should hold together without falling apart.
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Transfer and Cover: Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the dough to a clean container. Cover the dough with a wet muslin cloth to keep it warm and moist.
Assembling the Kozhukattai
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Prepare Your Hands: Smear a little oil on your palms to prevent the dough from sticking. Knead the rice dough gently to remove any lumps while keeping it covered with a wet cloth.
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Shape the Dumplings: 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 small disc, making sure to form a slight depression in the center.
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Fill and Seal: Place a spoonful of the prawn masala filling in the center of the disc. Carefully bring the edges of the dough together to encase the filling, pinching to seal the dumpling securely. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
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Steam the Dumplings: Prepare a steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil. Place the filled Kozhukattai on a steaming plate, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Steam for about 10 minutes or until they appear shiny and smooth. The rice wrapper should no longer be sticky, indicating they are fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Prawn Masala Kozhukattai as a tantalizing appetizer at your next gathering, accompanied by a refreshing Light and Healthy Spinach Soup and a vibrant Chickpea Orange Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
Conclusion
With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, Prawn Masala Kozhukattai offers an enticing glimpse into the world of South Indian cuisine. This recipe is not just about food; itโs a celebration of tradition and flavors that brings family and friends together. Enjoy the process of making these dumplings and savor every bite as you share them with loved ones!
