Tamarind Kozhukattai is a beloved South Indian delicacy that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. These delightful steamed dumplings are made with a harmonious blend of rice, coconut, tamarind, and aromatic spices, creating a tantalizing symphony of flavours. Each bite offers a delightful interplay of sweet, sour, and spicy notes that will leave you craving for more.
About the Recipe
If you’re a fan of tangy and flavorful snacks, this Tamarind Kozhukattai recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a traditional South Indian delight that combines the richness of coconut with the zesty punch of tamarind and a medley of aromatic spices. The result is a delightfully soft and chewy dumpling that will leave you utterly satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tamarind Kozhukattai recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s not only packed with incredible flavors but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy these dumplings as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Plus, they’re steamed, making them a healthier option compared to deep-fried alternatives. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these little gems, you’ll be hooked.
Cooking Tips
For the best Tamarind Kozhukattai, use fresh coconut if possible. It adds an unbeatable richness and aroma. Also, don’t skimp on the tamarind extract – it’s the star of the show. Lastly, be gentle when shaping the dumplings to guarantee they hold their shape during steaming.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
These Tamarind Kozhukattai are best served warm, straight out of the steamer. They make a fantastic snack for 4 people, or you can enjoy them as a light meal for 2. Total preparation time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
Similar Recipes
- Kozhukkatta (Sweet Coconut Dumplings)
- Pidi Kozhukattai (Spicy Rice-Jaggery Dumplings)
- Ven Pongal (Savory Rice and Lentil Porridge)
- Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Nutrient Benefits
Not only are these Tamarind Kozhukattai delicious, but they also offer a nutritious punch. The combination of rice, coconut, and tamarind provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Tamarind is particularly rich in antioxidants and has been linked to potential health benefits like improved digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Tamarind Kozhukattai
Ingredients
- 500 gms Raw Rice (washed, soaked for 2 hours)
- 2 Coconut (medium, finely grated)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups Tamarind Extract
- Salt as per taste
- Oil as required
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 2 tsp Urad Dal - 2 tsp
- 3 tsp Bengal Gram Dal
- 3 Green Chillies (chopped)
- 5 Dry Red Chillies (broken)
- Curry Leaves (handful)
Instructions
- Mix the soaked rice and grated coconut.
- Grind to a coarse paste.
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add the mustard seeds, dals, green chillies, dry red chillies and curry leaves.
- Fry for 30 seconds and pour the tamarind extract into the pan.
- Add salt and the ground rice-coconut paste.
- Stir well until a consistency similar to upma (lightly sticky and thick) is achieved.
- Keep aside to cool.
- Make cylindrical shaped balls and steam cook for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot or warm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought tamarind paste instead of extract?
Without a doubt. Store-bought tamarind paste is a convenient alternative to extract. Just make sure to adjust the quantity according to your desired sourness level and thin it out with a little water if needed.
Can I make these Tamarind Kozhukattai vegan?
Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable to a vegan diet. just use a plant-based oil for tempering instead of ghee or butter.
How do I prevent the dumplings from falling apart?
To make sure your dumplings hold their shape, make sure the rice-coconut mixture is well-combined and not too wet. also, handle them gently when shaping and steaming.
Can I make these dumplings in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to steam. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
What are some tasty accompaniments for Tamarind Kozhukattai?
These dumplings pair beautifully with coconut chutney, sambhar (a lentil-based vegetable stew), or even a simple yogurt-based dip. You can also enjoy them with a side of spicy pickle or chutney powder for an extra kick of flavor.
Note: image is for illustration purposes only and not that of the actual recipe.
