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    You are here: Home / Recent Posts / Kozhukattai | Kolukattai

    Kozhukattai | Kolukattai

    Last Updated On: Aug 26, 2024 by Sharmilee J

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    Kozhukattai is one of the most favorite sweets of Lord Ganesha hence commonly made and offered on Ganesh Chaturthi. Kozhukattai also called as Kolukattai is steamed dumplings with sweet filling inside. Learn to make perfect Kozhukattai with step by step pictures and video.

    kozhukattai in a bronze plate

    Kozhukattai or Kolukattai is a popular South Indian dumpling made with rice flour for outer covering with coconut jaggery filling inside. Kozhukattai is usually associated with Ganesh Chaturthi festival as kozhukattai is Lord Ganesha’s favorite. Kozhukattai is often had as an evening snack in Indian homes.

    Jump to:
    • About Kozhukattai
    • Kozhukattai Video
    • Kozhukattai Ingredients
    • Kozhukattai filling
    • Kozhukattai Molds
    • How to make Kozhukattai Step by Step
    • Expert Tips
    • Serving & Storage
    • FAQS
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    About Kozhukattai

    Kozhukattai is steamed rice flour dumplings for the outer covering stuffed with sweet coconut mixture for inside filling. The filling is called thengai poornam in tamil. It is shaped with a mold or without mold. There are many variations to the classic traditional sweet with unique stuffings and fillings.

    Kozhukattai is more popular in Tamil Nadu, North India and Kerala. In North it is called modak and in South it is called kozhukattai. Though both kozhukattai and modak are almost similar they have slight variation in the filling.

    Though there are different types of modak / kozhukattai made for Ganesh Chaturthi the quite essential one is the classic steamed modak or kozhukattai with pooranam. Firstly we make the filling, secondly the rice flour dough, thirdly they are shaped and finally steamed.

    There are wide varieties of Kozhukattai –  ammini kozhukattai, pidi kozhukattai, Ellu kozkukattai and lot more! A collection of these variations are posted for Ganesh Chaturthi!

    kozhukattai in a bronze plate

    Kozhukattai Video

    Kozhukattai Ingredients

    • Rice flour – Traditionally homemade rice flour is used to make modak. However you can use instant ready made rice flour too. See Kozhukattai Maavu Recipe
    • Salt – Salt is added while making the dough.
    • Coconut –Fresh grated coconut is recommended for this recipe. If you have coconut pieces then pulse it in mixer to make it shredded. We can use desiccated coconut as well when fresh coconut is not available.
    • Jaggery – Use clean organic jaggery as we are adding it as such.
    • Cardamom powder – Cardamom powder is added for flavor.
    • Ghee – Ghee is used to grease and flavor.
    ingredients needed to make kozhukattai

    Similar Recipes

    • Modak(with chana dal filling)
    • Ulundu kozhukattai
    • Modak
    • Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes
    • Ragi modak

    Kozhukattai filling

    Kozhukattai is a popular name for South Indian dumpling made with rice flour and filling inside. It usually has sweet filling but can have savory filling too.

    The filling stuffed inside the kozhukattai has a lot of variations though the classic version has coconut jaggery as filling.

    • Coconut jaggery filling – This is a easy and quick filling made using coconut and jaggery.
    • Chana dal jaggery filling – This is a slightly elaborate process as we need to cook chana dal first then cook with jaggery until thick.
    sweet filling for kozhukattai

    Kozhukattai Molds

    Many shops begin to sell kozhukattai molds few weeks before Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Nowadays it is readily available online too. But you can make modak / kozhukattai with or without mold.

    I have 2 types of mold one is aluminium and other is plastic. Both are easy to shape.

    modak molds

    How to make Kozhukattai Step by Step

    Coconut sweet filling

    1.Measure 1/2 cup jaggery and add it to a pan.

    add jaggery

    2..Add 1/4 cup water to it. Mix it well.

    add water to it

    3.Heat it up until jaggery completely dissolves. It is slightly thick (no string consistency needs to be checked). Set aside

    boil until it dissolves

    4.Dry roast 1 cup coconut in a tawa till its dry, just for few seconds- don’t change its color.

    roast coconut slightly

    5.Strain jaggery syrup and add.

    strain and add jaggery syrup

    6.Mix it well. Cook until the mixture becomes sticky and thick.

    mix well

    7.Add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder mix well and switch off.The pooranam should be juicy not too dry so switch off accordingly.

    cook until thick

    8.Coconut pooranam ready. Let it cool down a bit.

    thengai pooranam ready

    9.Let it become warm then make small balls and keep aside.

    shape into balls

    Kozhukattai Dough

    10.To a mixing bowl add 1/2 cup rice flour.

    add rice flour

    11.Add salt to taste and 1/2 teaspoon ghee to it.

    add ghee, and salt

    12.Mix this well first.

    mix it well first

    13.Boil water.

    boil water

    14.Add water little by little.

    add water little by little

    15.Keep mixing using a spatula.

    mix well

    16.Keep adding and mixing.

    keep mixing

    17.Keep stirring adding water little by little.

    add water little by little

    18.Gather to form a mass.

    mix well to gather to a mass

    19.Once it gathers to form a dough close and keep aside for 5 minutes.

    keep covered

    20.Once it is warm enough to handle with hand, open give a quick mix.

    open give a quick mix

    21.Mix well with fingers to form a soft dough.

    knead to a dough

    22.Keep covered until use to avoid drying up. Kozhukattai dough is ready.

    keep covered until use

    How to shape kozhukattai

    23.Pinch a lemon sized dough flatten it slightly then make it thin on all sides. Add the coconut pooranam on it.

    make cup add filling

    24.Pull around the edges and bring it to center over the top of the filling.

    pull edges towards center

    25.Bring it together to form the shape.Shape it like a modak. Remove extra portion of the dough on top if any.

    shape as modak

    26.Repeat to finish the dough.

    repeat to finish

    27.Steam cook covered for 6-10 mins or until the kozhukattais outer covering turns shiny and looks cooked.

    steam cook

    Serve it hot / warm!

    Expert Tips

    • Make thin outer layer so that the kozhukattai is soft and gets cooked easily.
    • Do not let the dough dry up. If it dries up, it will crack while shaping. So always keep covered with a slightly wet cloth to retain moisture.
    • Always use boiling hot water while making dough to get perfect soft kozhukattai.
    • The dough should not be sticky so adjust and add water accordingly.
    • Use good quality store bought rice flour or homemade rice flour(idiyappam flour)

    Serving & Storage

    Kozhukattai tastes great on its own, you can serve it along with savory kozhukattai or sundal. Kozhukattai tastes best when served hot or warm, however tastes good after it cools down also. Consume on the same day of making as the recipes contain coconut.

    FAQS

    1.Which flour is used for making Kozhukattai?

    Rice flour or homemade idiyappam flour is used for making kozhukattai. However you can use store bought idiyappam flour too.

    2.What should I do when my dough cracks while shaping?

    If the dough cracks it means the dough is very dry.Add very little / sprinkle hot water and make it right. Do not use dry / hard dough as it will crack the Kozhukattai or pop out the filling while steaming and also gives hard texture.

    3.How to make soft kozhukattai?

    The dough is the key to get soft kozhukattai. If the dough is perfect the kozhukattai will be very soft. Also do not over cook while steaming which will make the kozhukattai rubbery / hard..

    kozhukattai served in thonnai

    If you have any more questions about this Kozhukattai Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

    Tried this Kozhukattai Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

    📖 Recipe Card

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    Kozhukattai | Kolukattai

    Kozhukattai is one of the most favorite sweets of Lord Ganesha hence commonly made and offered on Ganesh Chaturthi. Kozhukattai also called as Kolukattai is steamed dumplings with sweet filling inside. Learn to make perfect Kozhukattai with step by step pictures and video.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Servings10 Kozhukattai
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    For the outer covering

    • 1/2 cup rice flour
    • 1 teaspoon ghee
    • salt to taste
    • water as needed

    For inner sweet filling

    • 1 cup coconut grated
    • 1/2 cup jaggery crushed
    • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

    Instructions

    Coconut sweet filling

    • Measure 1/2 cup jaggery and add it to a pan.
    • Add 1/4 cup water to it. Mix it well.
    • Heat it up until jaggery completely dissolves. It is slightly thick (no string consistency needs to be checked). Set aside
    • Dry roast 1 cup coconut in a tawa till its dry, just for few seconds- don’t change its color.
    • Strain jaggery syrup and add.
    • Mix it well. Cook until the mixture becomes sticky and thick.
    • Add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder mix well and switch off.The pooranam should be juicy not too dry so switch off accordingly.
    • Coconut pooranam ready. Let it cool down a bit.
    • Let it become warm then make small balls and keep aside.

    Kozhukattai Dough

    • To a mixing bowl add 1/2 cup rice flour.
    • Add salt to taste and 1/2 teaspoon ghee to it.
    • Mix this well first.
    • Boil water.
    • Add water little by little.
    • Keep mixing using a spatula.
    • Keep adding and mixing.
    • Keep stirring adding water little by little.
    • Gather to form a mass.
    • Once it gathers to form a dough close and keep aside for 5 minutes.
    • Once it is warm enough to handle with hand, open give a quick mix.
    • Mix well with fingers to form a soft dough.
    • Keep covered until use to avoid drying up. Kozhukattai dough is ready.

    How to shape kozhukattai

    • Pinch a lemon sized dough flatten it slightly then make it thin on all sides. Add the coconut pooranam on it.
    • Pull around the edges and bring it to center over the top of the filling.
    • Bring it together to form the shape.Shape it like a modak. Remove extra portion of the dough on top if any.
    • Repeat to finish the dough.
    • Steam cook covered for 6-10 mins or until the kozhukattais outer covering turns shiny and looks cooked.
    • Serve it hot / warm!

    Video

    Notes

    • Make thin outer layer so that the kozhukattai is soft and gets cooked easily.
    • Do not let the dough dry up. If it dries up, it will crack while shaping. So always keep covered with a slightly wet cloth to retain moisture.
    • Always use boiling hot water while making dough to get perfect soft kozhukattai.
    • The dough should not be sticky so adjust and add water accordingly.
    • Use good quality store bought rice flour or homemade rice flour(idiyappam flour)
    Nutrition Facts
    Kozhukattai | Kolukattai
    Amount Per Serving (40 g)
    Calories 105 Calories from Fat 27
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 3g5%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 0.3g
    Cholesterol 1mg0%
    Sodium 389mg17%
    Potassium 36mg1%
    Carbohydrates 18g6%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 11g12%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin C 0.3mg0%
    Calcium 6mg1%
    Iron 0.3mg2%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
    Like our video?Subscribe to our youtube channel to get latest updates!

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    Filed Under: ganesh chaturthi essentials, GaneshChaturthi Collection, Kozhukattai, Recent Posts, Sharmis Passions, Vinayagar Chathurthi

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shaheen

      September 23, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      Thanks you so much for this delicious and sweet recipe

      Reply
    4.55 from 11 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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