Ellu Kozhukattai

During the festive season, most Indians would love to break the rules on their diet. However, there are few sweet dishes in India, which can be prepared without high carb ingredients and sugar. Now, you can eat without guilt and also enjoy the authentic taste of the sweet, passed on by the ancestors. Ellu Kozhukattai is mostly prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi festival as an offering. The legend says that it was God’s favorite dish. Since the dish requires steaming, ellu kozhukattai is obviously a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Just one or two ellu kozhukattai is all you need to fulfill your appetite for a delicious sweet.

Health Benefits

Sesame is an important source of phytonutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids, flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber with potential anti-cancer as well as health-promoting properties.

Rice is an excellent source of calcium, riboflavin, thiamine, fiber, iron, vitamin D, and niacin. These vitamins serve as the bass for immune system health, and the body’s metabolism.

Ingredients

rice flour: ½ cup

sesame oil: 1 tsp

water as required

salt as required

For Stuffing

sesame seeds (black or white): ½ cup

jaggery, powdered : ¾ cup

grated coconut : ¼ cup

1 elaichi

How To Make Ellu Kozhukattai

1. Wash the sesame seeds. Allow to dry and set aside.
2. To prepare the dough, bring water to boil.
3. Add one teaspoon sesame oil and let it boil for another minute.
4. Add the boiled water to the flour along with salt and mix well.
5. Mix the dough using a spatula and make sure you don’t pour water all at once.
6. Wait for a few minutes.
7. Knead the dough to make it into softballs.
8. Cover and set it aside.
9. Roast sesame seeds until it pops. You can grind sesame seeds if needed.
10. Add jaggery and coconut and mix in low flame.
11. Mix until the jaggery melts and the mixture starts leaving the sides.
12. Pour the mixture in a plate and allow it to cool down.
13. While it is still warm, make equal sized balls.
14. Flatten the previously prepared dough, making them into small cups.
15. Stuff the sesame mix inside and close the cups using your fingertips.
16. Boil the water in the steamer. Steam the prepared cups.
17. Steam for 8 to 10 minutes. Serve while it is hot.

Trivia

In Kerala, ellu kozhukattai is popularly associated with the Oshana Sunday celebrations of Saint Thomas Christians. It is also eaten as an evening snack with tea or coffee.

In northern Sri Lanka, there is a custom involving dumplings whose edges are pressed to resemble teeth being dropped gently on a baby's head while the family wishes for the infant to develop healthy teeth.