Pidi Kuzhakattai

'Pidi kuzhakattais' are spicy rice dumplings which are offered to Lord Ganesh on Fridays of Tamil month 'Aadi'(Jul-Aug) or 'Thai'(Jan-Feb). But it can also be prepared as an evening tiffin. It is made of Rice Rava (Broken rice), coconut & spices. It can be savoured with Kartika Gothsu (a side dish made of brinjals) or sambhar or chutney.

Ingredients (for 12-15 kuzhakattais apprx):

Arisi Rava (Rice Rava/Broken rice) : 200g apprx
Fresh grated Coconut : 3/4th cup
Green chillies : 2
Red chillies : 2
Ginger : 1 inch
Salt to taste
Oil : 3-4 tbsp
Curry leaves : 10-15
Fresh Coriander leaves : few (optional)

Soak the below together for 1 to 1.5 hours:
Urad dal : 1 tbsp
Tuwar dal : 1 tbsp
Chana dal : 1 tbsp

For Tempering/Tadka:
Mustard/Rai/Kadugu: 1/2 tsp
Urad dal : 1 tsp
Chana dal(Kadala paruppu) : 1.5 tsp
Red chillies : 1
Asafoetida : 1/4th tsp
Oil : 1-2 tsp

Method:
1. Take all the three soaked dal and grind them coarsely along with green chillies, red chillies and ginger. Keep it aside.

2. Heat oil in a kadhai, add mustard seeds and let it crackle. Add broken red chilly,urad & chana dal and fry till dal turns golden brown. Add few curry leaves (may be 7-8). Then add 3.5 tumbler water. (1 tumbler =~ 200ml)
Note: You can use the water here which was used for soaking.

3. When it starts to boil, add the ground dal paste. Add asafoetida,salt and the remaining curry leaves, fresh coriander leaves(optional) and coconut.

4. After adding the above ingredients, when it starts to boil again, add the rice rava and mix well such that no lumps are formed.

5. Allow it to boil for 8-10 min apprx and soon the gravy will turn thick.
The rice rava will absorb all water and will be half cooked.

6. Switch off the flame and allow it to cool for around 10 min. (Don't allow to cool completely. Allow it to cool till your hands can bear the heat, otherwise it won't hold good.)

7. Mix it well. Then take some in hand and form dumplings (or cylindrical patties). Apply oil on idli plate and place the dumplings on them. Then steam them (like you steam idlis) for 8-10 min.