Kozhakotta (Steamed rice balls)

Kozhakotta is a kerala sweet made of steamed rice dumplings or balls stuffed with a sweet mix of jaggery, grated coconut and spices. Very similar to the 'modak' of Maharashtra.


INGREDIENTS:

• Coconut - 6 oz
• Sugar (or grated jaggery) - 8 oz
• Ghee - 2 dst sp (dessert spoon)
• Cardamom & Nutmeg - 3/4 tsp
• Cashew - 3 dst sp
• Raisins - 3 dst sp
• Vanilla - 3/4 tsp

• Rice flour - 1/2 cup
• Maida - 1/2 cup
• Water - 4oz
• Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fry the nuts and raisins in ghee
2. Make a syrup of the sugar and water. Add coconut and ghee to this.
3. Mix in fried nuts and spices
4. Separately, mix water and flours and add 1 dst sp of ghee, and thicken over fire until a lump is formed. Knead this well 
5. Take a portion of the dough and make a cup, fill in the coconut filling and roll into a ball. Steam until the rice ball is done (9 to 10 mins) - do not let it touch water.
6. Serve hot.