Ven Kozhukattai

Method

1. 1

   Make rice flour dough: Mix 2 cups rice flour with 1.5 tsp salt. Add 1.5 cups boiling water gradually while stirring with a ladle. Knead into a very smooth dough when cool enough to handle.

2. 2

   Add ghee: Knead 1 tsp ghee into the dough for softness.

3. 3

   Divide dough: Divide into 15-18 equal balls.

4. 4

   Shape into smooth balls: Grease your palms with a little oil. Roll each portion into a very smooth round ball.

5. 5

   Make the traditional shape: These are pure white smooth balls — ven (white) kozhukattai. No filling.

6. 6

   Prepare steamer: Fill steamer with water and bring to a strong rolling boil.

7. 7

   Grease idli plates or banana leaf: Grease each cavity or banana leaf squares with a drop of coconut oil.

8. 8

   Arrange: Place one smooth ball in each greased space. Leave room for expansion.

9. 9

   Steam: Cover tightly and steam for 12-14 minutes until the kozhukattai are firm and slightly translucent.

10. 10

    Serve: Ven kozhukattai should be pure white, smooth and soft. Serve with coconut chutney. These are the traditional prasad during Vinayaka Chaturthi.