Karthigai Kozhukattai Recipe – Sharmis Passion

Karthigai Kozhukattai is a traditional sweet made in homes during the Karthigai festival. This recipe can be made by making soft balls of rice flour, shaping them like small lamps and cooking them in steam. With light salt and soft texture, it tastes simple and feels comfortable to eat. This is a basic recipe and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.

This Kozhukattai is special as it is first used as a lamp and later eaten. It gives both a festive and traditional feel during the occasion at home and you can make it every year as it brings the festive mood. It’s a little tradition that we follow and enjoy. It also looks good when served in a plate.

About Karthigai Kozhukattai

Karthigai Kozhukattai is a traditional South Indian dish made especially during the Karthigai Deepam festival. It is shaped like a small lamp called Deepam and is used during puja. It is served after burning which makes it very unique compared to other dishes. This recipe is different from regular kozhukattai.

This Kozhukattai has a soft chewy texture and a mild taste as it is made with just rice flour, salt and water. Adding ghee or oil inside it gives it a slight spiciness and taste. It seems light and simple to eat. Making it in the shape of a lamp looks special and traditional during festivals.

There are some variations in this recipe and you can try it depending on your preference. You can shape it into small balls for snacks or make different shapes for kids. Some people also add coconut or jaggery for a sweeter version and there are other options to try. You can adjust this recipe a bit and it will still turn out good.

Gemerli we use this method to make simple kozhukattai. Karthigai Kozhukattai Recipe is nothing but our regular Kozhukattai in the shape of Karthigai Vizhakku. So this is Kozhukattai, edible lamps made from rice flour.

I saw these lovely edible lamps at our neighbours’ house and when I asked they said it was made from home made rice flour without salt and it is a custom for them to make every Karthigai Deepam. So I tried it too and it was an instant hit.

You can involve older children in making this especially the shaping part as they will enjoy doing this. You can also make this Kozhukattai for evening snack, however we make this lamp shaped Karthigai Kozhukattai especially for Karthigai Deepam.

Karthigai Kozhukattai Ingredients

• rice flour – I have used homemade rice flour to make this Kozhukattai, but you can also use store bought idiyappam flour.
• Water – Hot water is used to make the dough soft and smooth, add slowly to get the right consistency.
• oil or ghee – Ghee has been used for the filling which gives good taste. You can also use oil as per your choice.

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How to make Karthigai Kozhukattai step by step

1. First prepare the outer dough. Measure the rice flour and take it in a mixing bowl, add salt.

2. Mix it once. Boil the water until it bubbles, turn it off and then add it to the rice flour.

3. Mix with a ladle, once it starts coming together, keep it aside for a few minutes to cool. Be careful as the dough will be very hot. Once it becomes hot enough to handle with hands, leave it for a few minutes, mix everything together and make a smooth dough without any cracks.

4. Make balls of equal size, first take one and flatten it.

5.Give them the shape of a lamp – similar to Karthigai Deepam. Repeat to finish the dough. Steam for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size you make. Let it cool down first.

6.After it cools down, fill ghee or oil in each lamp, apply turmeric, kumkum and finally light it. Karthigai Kozhukattai is ready.

Offer it to God and then serve. Cute edible lamps for Karthigai Deepam ready!

Expert Tips

• consistency of dough – I ensure that the dough is soft and without cracks. If it is dry it may break while shaping.
• handling dough – You must be careful while mixing as the water will be hot. After a few minutes you can knead it with your hands.
• shaping lamps – I gently shape using fingers to make the lamp. Do not press too hard as it may burst.
• steaming time – I steam it until it is cooked well. It depends on the size so keep checking.
• Try other shapes – With this recipe you can also make small balls or other shapes for snacks.

serving and storage

Serve it warm or at room temperature, it is best to eat fresh as it may become hard after some time. Refrigerate leftovers and steam again before serving. You can shape it into small balls for snacks or make different shapes for kids.

general questions and answers

1.Can I use store bought rice flour?

Yes, you can use idiyappam flour from the store. It works well for this recipe.

2.Why is the dough tearing while shaping?

This means the flour is dry. – Add some hot water and knead again.

3.Can I make it in advance?

You can prepare the dough first and shape it later. It is better to take fresh steam for taste.

4.Can I make a sweet version?

Yes, you can add jaggery and coconut for sweet taste. It gives different taste.

5.Can I make this as breakfast?

Yes, you can make small balls of this recipe and serve it as breakfast. It is light and easy to eat.

If you have any further questions about making this Karthigai Kozhukattai Recipe Mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com
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