Divine Delights: Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with Kozhakattai & Modak

Uppu Kozhakattai, also known as savory Kozhakattai or Ulundhu Kozhakattai, is a delicious South Indian dumpling prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi as an offering to Lord Ganesha. These steamed dumplings are made from rice flour and filled with a savory mixture made from urad dal (split black gram) and spices. Here's a simple recipe for Uppu Kozhakattai:

Ingredients:

For the Outer Covering (Rice Flour Dough):

• 1 cup rice flour

• 1 1/4 cups water

• 1 tablespoon oil

• A pinch of salt

For the Savory Filling:

• 1/2 cup urad dal (split black gram)

• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• A few curry leaves, chopped

• 1 tablespoon grated coconut (optional)

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare the Savory Filling: a. Wash the urad dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 1 hour. b. After soaking, drain the water and grind the dal coarsely without adding too much water. c. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter. d. Add cumin seeds, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute. e. Add the ground urad dal, grated coconut (if using), asafoetida, and salt. Mix everything well and cook for a few minutes until the dal is cooked and the mixture becomes dry. Remove from heat and let it cool.

• Prepare the Rice Flour Dough: a. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt and oil. b. Gradually add the rice flour to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. c. Mix the rice flour thoroughly until it forms a smooth dough-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

• Assemble and Shape the Uppu Kozhakattai: a. Take a small portion of the rice flour dough and roll it into a smooth ball. b. Flatten the ball into a small disc shape using your fingers, creating a small cup-like depression in the center. c. Place a spoonful of the savory filling into the depression. d. Carefully gather the edges of the rice flour disc to form a pleated cone shape, enclosing the filling. Seal the edges firmly.

• Steam the Uppu Kozhakattai: a. Grease a steamer plate or idli plate with oil to prevent sticking. b. Arrange the prepared Uppu Kozhakattai on the greased plate and steam them for about 10-15 minutes or until the outer covering becomes firm and cooked.

• Offer to Lord Ganesha and Serve: a. Once the Uppu Kozhakattai is ready, offer them as prasad (offering) to Lord Ganesha. b. Serve the delicious Uppu Kozhakattai to family and friends as a savory treat to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.

Enjoy the delectable Uppu Kozhakattai and the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi!