Kara Vegetable Pidi Kozhukattai (Savory Spicy Vegetable Modak)

Directions for Kara Vegetable Pidi Kozhukattai (Savory Spicy Vegetable Modak)

1. To begin making the Kara Kozhukattai Recipe (Savory Spicy Vegetable Modak), first get all the ingredients ready and keep it by the side for easy cooking.

2. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow it to crackle. Next add cumin seeds, urad dal, crushed red chilies and roast for 20 seconds until the urad dal turns slightly golden brown and crisp.

3. Next, stir in the curry leaves, grated carrots and cabbage and saute for about a minute. Add 1-1/2 cup of water and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil.

4. When the water is boiling, add the rice flour and stir constantly to combine into the water to make a thick dough like consistency. It is important to keep stirring so we get a smooth lump free Kozhukattai mixture.

5. Once the Kozhukattai mixture turns thick, switch off the heat and allow it to cool for a minute.

6. Grease your palms and fingers with oil and pinch a lemon sized ball of the Kara Kozhukattai mixture and roll it in your palm and shape it into a cone. You can also use a Kozhukattai shaper to shape it like the one you see in the image.

7. Press the top of the cone with your fingers to make an impressions on the dough. This is called pidi (means to hold) kozhukattai. Repeat with rest of the Kozhukattai dough.

8. Prepare the steamer for steaming the Kara Kozhukattai.  Place the shaped Kozhukattai into the steamer plates and steam for about 10 minutes until you notice the Kara Kozhukattai's have a shiny surface. 

9. Once steamed, turn off the heat and place them on a serving platter and serve warm immediately. 

10. Serve the Kara Kozhukattai warm as it is or along with a spicy chutney or sauce of our choice.