Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai

Ragi Aval Sweet Kozhukattai - A Nutritious Delight for Festive Occasions!

Step into the world of traditional South Indian sweets with a delightful twist - Ragi Aval Sweet Kozhukattai! In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering treat using step-by-step photos and a helpful video tutorial. Ragi Kozhukattai, traditionally made with ragi flour and jaggery during festivals, gets a healthy and fibrous upgrade by incorporating aval (flattened rice) into the mix.

Not only is it a nutritious snack for both kids and adults, but it can also be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast or a satisfying dessert. Join me on this culinary adventure and get ready to savor the goodness of Ragi Aval Sweet Kozhukattai. Don't forget to share your feedback!

What Is Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai?

• Ragi sweet kozhukattai is a traditional Indian sweet dish made with ragi flour, thick red aval, jaggery, and coconut. This succulent dish is flavored with cardamom and seasoned with ghee, making it a unique and delicious dessert option. The combination of these main ingredients with Indian spices creates a flavorful and aromatic treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.

Why You'll Love Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai?

• Deliciously Unique Texture: Ragi sweet kozhukattai has a deliciously unique texture that is both chewy and soft, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
• Packed with Nutrients: This traditional Indian sweet is made with ragi flour, which is a powerhouse of nutrients like calcium, iron, and fiber, making it a healthy indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Since ragi is gluten-free, this sweet kozhukattai is a perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Low Glycemic Index: The use of jaggery instead of refined sugar gives this sweet a lower glycemic index, making it a better choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.
• Guilt-Free Enjoyment: With the goodness of ragi and jaggery, you can indulge in this sweet treat without feeling guilty about it.
• Perfect for All Ages: Whether you're looking for a healthy snack for kids or a nutritious dessert for the elderly, ragi sweet kozhukattai is a delightful option for everyone.

Ingredients for Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai

• Ragi flour: Ragi flour is the main ingredient in this recipe, providing a nutty and earthy flavor to the kozhukattai. It also adds a rich, dark color to the dish.
• Thick red aval: Also known as beaten rice, thick red aval adds a light and fluffy texture to the kozhukattai, as well as a mild sweetness.
• Ghee: Ghee is used for roasting the ragi flour, adding a rich and buttery flavor to the dish.
• Chopped coconut: The coconut adds a touch of sweetness and a chewy texture to the kozhukattai.
• Cardamoms: Cardamoms bring a warm and floral aroma to the kozhukattai, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Powdered jaggery: Jaggery is used as a natural sweetener, providing a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the kozhukattai.

How To Make Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai?

• To make Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai, start by washing the thick red aval properly and draining the water completely. Then, add some water, mix well, and set it aside for 10 minutes. While that's soaking, heat a pan with ghee over low heat. Once the ghee melts, add ragi flour and roast it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it gives off a nice aroma and changes color slightly.
• Next, grind the coconut pieces and cardamoms in a mixie jar until coarsely ground. Then, add the soaked aval to the mixie jar and grind until coarsely, using the pulse button 2 to 3 times. After that, add the ground aval, salt, and coconut mixture to the roasted ragi powder and mix everything until well combined.
• In a saucepan, heat powdered jaggery and water, stirring well until the jaggery dissolves. Once it starts to boil, remove it from the heat, strain it directly into the flour mixture, and mix well. Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Add water to a steamer and let it come to a boil. Meanwhile, grease an idli or steamer plate and your fingers with oil. Then, take small lemon-sized balls of the mixture and shape them into either round or oblong shapes.
• Arrange the kozhukattai on the greased plate and steam for 10 to 12 minutes over medium-low flame. And that's it – your tasty Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai is ready to be enjoyed!

It's important to follow each step carefully, especially the roasting of the ragi flour and the grinding of the ingredients, as these steps contribute to the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Coconut Chutney: Serve the ragi sweet kozhukattai with a side of coconut chutney to add a savory element to the dish.
• Accompany with Sambar: For a complete meal, pair the kozhukattai with a flavorful and nutritious sambar for a wholesome dining experience.
• Enjoy with a Hot Cup of Chai: The sweet kozhukattai can be enjoyed with a hot cup of chai for a delightful evening snack.
• Serve with Mango Thokku: Add a tangy twist to the dish by serving it with a side of mango thokku for a burst of flavors.
• Pair with Spicy Tomato Chutney: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, serving the kozhukattai with a spicy tomato chutney can elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• Accompany with Fresh Fruit Salad: For a refreshing and healthy side, serve the sweet kozhukattai with a side of fresh fruit salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Tips for Making Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai

Preparation Time

• The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, including roasting the ragi flour, grinding the ingredients, and shaping the kozhukattai.

Cooking Techniques

• When roasting the ragi flour, make sure to do it over low heat to avoid burning and to bring out the nutty aroma of the flour.
• When shaping the kozhukattai, grease your hands with oil to prevent the mixture from sticking, and make either round or oblong shapes based on your preference.

Garnishing for Presentation

• To enhance the visual appeal of the Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai, you can garnish it with chopped nuts or edible flowers before serving.

Steaming Duration

• Steam the kozhukattai for 10 to 12 minutes over medium-low flame to ensure they are cooked through and have a soft, chewy texture.

Serve Fresh

• Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai is best enjoyed when served fresh and warm, so try to serve it as soon as it's ready for the best taste and texture.

Storage Tip

• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them before serving for the best experience.

Variations for Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai

• Nutty Twist: To add a nutty flavor, you can include finely chopped almonds, cashews, or pistachios to the mixture. This will not only add a crunch but also enhance the overall taste of the kozhukattai.
• Fruity Delight: Experiment with adding finely chopped fruits like bananas, apples, or even dried fruits like raisins or figs to the batter. This will bring a natural sweetness and a fruity twist to the traditional recipe.
• Flavored Jaggery: Instead of using plain jaggery, try using flavored jaggery such as palm jaggery or date jaggery for a unique flavor profile. These variations of jaggery will add a different depth of sweetness to the dish.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of powdered cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a hint of warmth and spice. These spices will complement the earthy flavor of ragi and elevate the overall taste of the kozhukattai.
• Savory Option: If you prefer a savory version, skip the jaggery and add some salt, finely chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves to the mixture. This will create a delicious and wholesome savory kozhukattai.
• Coconut Flakes: Instead of using chopped coconut, consider using coconut flakes for a different texture and a more pronounced coconut flavor in the kozhukattai.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a unique and personalized version of the traditional Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai, adding your own twist to this beloved Indian dish.

How to Store Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai

• Storing the Ragi Flour: It is important to store ragi flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. This will prevent it from getting spoiled or attracting insects.
• Preserving the Thick Red Aval: To keep the thick red aval fresh, store it in a sealed container or a resealable bag. Make sure to remove any excess air before sealing the bag to prevent the aval from getting stale.
• Keeping the Jaggery Fresh: To prevent jaggery from hardening, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it starts to harden, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up.
• Storing the Coconut Pieces and Cardamoms: Store the coconut pieces and cardamoms in separate airtight containers to maintain their individual flavors and prevent them from losing their aroma.
• Maintaining the Freshness of the Greased Idli Plates: After using the idli plates, clean them thoroughly and make sure to dry them completely before storing them. Store them in a dry, clean place to prevent any moisture from building up and causing mold.
• Overall Storage Tip: For all the ingredients used in the recipe, it is important to check for any signs of spoilage before use. Proper storage will ensure that the ingredients maintain their freshness and enhance the flavor of the ragi sweet kozhukattai.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other flours instead of ragi flour?

• Yes, you can substitute ragi flour with other gluten-free flours like almond flour or millet flour. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture of the sweet kozhukattai may vary with different flours.

Can I adjust the sweetness level of the kozhukattai?

• Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter kozhukattai, you can increase the amount of powdered jaggery. Similarly, if you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the quantity of jaggery according to your taste preference.

Any alternative for thick red aval?

• If thick red aval is not available, you can use regular thick aval or poha as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time and quantity of water accordingly.

How can I make the kozhukattai softer?

• To make the kozhukattai softer, you can increase the amount of water while cooking the jaggery and allowing it to soak into the flour mixture for a longer time before steaming.

Can I store the leftover kozhukattai?

• Yes, you can store the leftover kozhukattai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, steam them for a few minutes to regain their soft texture.

Can I add any other ingredients for variations?

• Certainly! You can add chopped nuts like almonds or cashews to the mixture for added crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with adding flavors like saffron or cardamom for a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

Recipe Card

Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai 2021-09-02 04:09:52

Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai

Serving Size: 4 people

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 100g (3/4 cup) ragi flour
• 100g thick red aval
• 1 tsp ghee
• 1/4 cup chopped coconut
• 3 cardamoms
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery
• for greasing idli plates oil
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Wash aval properly and drain the water completely and then add 3 tbsp water, mix well and keep it aside for 10 mins.

• Meanwhile, heat a pan with ghee over low heat.
• When the ghee melts, add ragi flour, roast it for about 4 to 5 mins until a nice aroma comes and also little color change, remove from the heat and keep it aside.
• Place the coconut pieces and cardamoms in the mixie jar and grind until coarsely.
• Further, place the soaked aval in the mixie jar and grind until coarsely by using the pulse button (2 to 3 times) and keep it aside.
• Add ground aval, salt, and coconut mixture to the roasted ragi powder and mix everything until well combined.
• Heat a saucepan with powdered jaggery and 1/4 cup water, stir well until jaggery dissolves. When it starts to boil, remove from the heat and strain directly to the flour mixture and mix well. Cover and keep it aside for 10 mins.
• Add 2 cups water to a steamer and let the water come to a boil.
• Grease an idli or steamer plate and your fingers with oil.
• Take a small lemon-sized ball and fist it in your palm and make either a round or oblong shape. Arrange the pidi kozhukattais on the greased idli or steamer plate one next to the other. Steam for 10 to 12 mins over medium-low flame.
• Tasty Ragi Sweet Kozhukattai is ready to serve. Enjoy!

By Santhi Therese
The Indian Claypot

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Wash aval properly and drain the water completely and then add 3 tbsp water,

mix well and keep it aside for 10 mins.

Meanwhile, heat a pan with ghee over low heat.

When the ghee melts add ragi flour, roast it for about 4 to 5 mins until
a nice aroma comes and also little color change, remove
from the heat and keep it aside.

Then place the coconut pieces and cardamoms in the mixie jar

and grind until coarsely.

Further, place the soaked aval in the mixie jar

and grind until coarsely by using the pulse button (2 to 3 times)
as shown in the picture and keep it aside.

Now add ground aval, salt and coconut mixture to the roasted ragi powder

and mix everything until well combined.

Now heat a saucepan with powdered jaggery and 1/4 cup water, stir well until jaggery dissolves.

When it starts to boil, remove it from the heat

strain directly to the flour mixture

and mix well. Cover and keep it aside for 10 mins.

How to steam Ragi Aval Sweet Kozhukattai:
Add 2 cups water to a steamer and let the water come to a boil.
Meanwhile, grease an idli or steamer plate and your fingers with oil.
Take a small lemon-sized ball and fist it in your palm and make either a round or oblong shape.
Arrange the pidi kozhukattais on the greased idli or steamer plate one next to the other. Steam for 10 to 12 mins over medium-low flame. Now tasty Ragi Aval Kozhukattai is ready to serve. Enjoy!