Paal Kozhukattai Recipe with Bananas (Vegan Option)
Description:
Paal Kozhukattai is a beloved, authentic delicacy from the regions of Chettinad, renowned for its culinary richness and variety. This traditional South Indian dessert features sweet rice dumplings delicately simmered in a creamy coconut milk-based pudding. With its smooth, luscious texture and sweet, comforting taste, Paal Kozhukattai makes for a delightful treat. The dish is elevated with the addition of ripe bananas, adding a natural sweetness and a soft bite. You can easily customize this recipe to suit a vegan diet by using only coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, this dessert is perfect for any occasion and pairs wonderfully with a festive South Indian meal. The delightful balance of flavors and the unique texture of the rice dumplings make Paal Kozhukattai an unforgettable dish.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch (or Dessert)
Diet: Vegetarian (Vegan Option Available)
Ingredients:
For Rice Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 to 1 1/2 cups |
| Sesame (gingelly) oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
For Pudding:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full-fat milk (or coconut milk for vegans) | 3 cups |
| Thin coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Thick coconut milk | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom powder (elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar (or jaggery) | 3/4 cup |
| Ripe bananas, sliced (for garnish) | 1 cup |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Dumplings
- Start by bringing 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot. Once the water starts boiling, add the sesame oil and then turn off the heat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the rice flour and salt. Gradually add the hot water to the flour mixture, stirring constantly to form a smooth dough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but firm enough to handle.
- Knead the dough well for a few minutes until smooth. Grease your palms with a little oil and roll the dough into small balls or coin-shaped dumplings. You can make them round or shape them differently, depending on your preference.
- Cover the dough balls with a damp cloth to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice Dumplings in Milk
- In a large, non-stick pan, add the 3 cups of milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the milk starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and carefully drop in the prepared rice dumplings.
- Let the dumplings cook gently for about 5 minutes without stirring. Do not disturb the dumplings too early, as they may break apart. You’ll know they’re done when the dumplings start floating on top of the milk.
- Once the dumplings are cooked, add the thin coconut milk and cardamom powder. Stir gently and bring it back to a boil.
- Add the sugar (or jaggery) and stir until it fully dissolves into the milk. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the thick coconut milk and turn off the heat. Be sure not to cook the mixture further after adding the thick coconut milk to maintain its creamy consistency.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Paal Kozhukattai into serving bowls, and garnish with fresh banana slices.
- You can enjoy this dessert warm or chill it in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. It tastes delicious both ways!
Serving Suggestion:
Paal Kozhukattai is often enjoyed as a sweet dish after a festive South Indian meal, such as steamed rice, mixed vegetable sambar, carrot beans thoran, and elai vadam. The sweet dumplings make for a perfect dessert to conclude a satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Paal Kozhukattai:
- For a richer, vegan version, you can use only coconut milk (both thick and thin) in place of regular milk.
- Make sure the rice dough is soft, but not too sticky. The dumplings should hold together well but should not be dry.
- If you prefer a natural sweetness, jaggery is a great substitute for sugar. It also adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Paal Kozhukattai is a beautiful dish that celebrates the essence of traditional South Indian flavors. With its creamy texture, aromatic cardamom, and the sweetness of bananas, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you are following a vegan diet or simply looking for a comforting, indulgent dessert, this recipe offers a delicious, customizable option that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!
