Modak/Kozhukattai

Modak or Kozhukattai is a sweet dumpling made of rice stuffed with a filling of jaggery and coconut with a bit of cardamom (elaichi) powder added for flavour. It is part of the Prasad in West and South India made for the Vinayak Chathurthi festival.

Ingredients
1 cup rice flour       
1 tsp oil
1 cup water          
Oil for greasing
A pinch of salt

For filling
1 cup grated fresh coconut
1 cup grated Jaggery 
1/2 tsp Cardamom (Elaichi) powder

Method of preparation

To prepare the filling, put grated coconut and jiggery in a non-stick pan, and cook over low flame till the jaggery melts and the mixture binds together. Add the cardamom powder and mix properly.

Boil water in the non-stick pan. Add 1 teaspoon oil and a pinch of salt and stir. Reduce flame and add the rice flour stirring continuously. Make a smooth paste, cover with a lid and keep aside for about 5 minutes. Rub some oil on to your palms and knead the dough while still warm.  

Make even sized small balls of the dough roughly 3-4 inches in diameter. Roll it out a little and place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling into the dough. Bring the ends of the roll together and press the joint with your fingers to seal.

Place these filled balls in a greased plates of an Iddli steamer, pour the water and the teaspoon of oil and heat it till the water comes to a boil. Steam for 6 to7 minutes.

Once the Kozhukattai turns translucent take out and serve.