AMMINI KOZHUKATTAI (SALTY & SPICY VERSIONS)

Ammini kozhukattai or arisi maa (maavu) kozhukattai are mini delicacies which are made often by my MIL and everyone at my in-law's place would prefer to have it with pickles. These are healthy, cute evening snacks.

This is also offered to Lord Ganesha (pillaiyaar) on Vinayaga chaturthi day.

INGREDIENTS:

Rice flour - 1 cup
Water - 2 cups
Salt - 1/2 tsp.
Gingelly oil - 1/4 tsp.

Tempering:

Oil - 1 tablespoon
Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp.
Urad dhal - 1/2 tsp.
Red chillies - 1 or 2
Hing - a pinch
Scraped coconut - 2 tablespoons
Curry leaves - a sprig
Idli molaga podi - 2 tsp. (FOR SPICY VERSION)

METHOD:

Boil water with salt and oil. Add the rice flour and stir quickly without any lumps, till it forms a dough. Allow it to cool. Knead well. Grease your hand with oil and make small marble - sized balls out of it.

Grease idli plates with a drop of oil, and arrange the balls as shown in the picture.

Steam cook for 10 - 12 minutes. Allow a standing time of 5 minutes. The surface will be glossy if done properly.

SALT VERSION:

Heat oil in a kadai, temper with the given ingredients, add the steamed balls and mix gently.

SPICY VERSION:

Heat oil in a kadai, temper with the given ingredients, add idli molaga podi, steamed balls and mix gently.