• About Me
  • Coaching
  • Work with me
  • In media

Saffron Trail

healthy vegetarian cooking

  • Home
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Nutrition
  • Food & Travel
  • Home
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Nutrition
  • Food & Travel
Breakfast, Tamil Brahmin Recipes, Vegan, vegetarian

Upma Kozhakattai with Thenga Thogayal

July 14, 2006

12
Shares

Recipe for Upma Kozhakattai with Thenga Thogayal

Upma, in its various forms, is a mainstay breakfast or tiffin item in most South Indian homes and Kozhakattai is something that Tamilians prepare during festivals. Upma Kozhakattai is none of these

My grandma used to make this one, once in 3 months or so- making it one of my favourite tiffins. (You get the drift? The rarer it’s made, the more it’s liked- or as goes the saying-familiarity breeds contempt) The common fellows like Idli, Dosai, Upma used to fall in the second category. I guess grandma would soak, dry and then grind the rice to obtain the base for making this dish. In today’s times, the above three steps are replaced by these three steps-a visit to the supermarket, pick up a packet of idli-rava, pay for it!

Upma-Kozhakatti is steamed rice flour balls with a bit of seasoning and coconut. This is served with a lentil-coconut spicy and sour chutney. A small chunk of jaggery is sometimes kept inside these balls, so that you bite into a sweet surprise in the center

You will rarely find this being served outside of Tamil homes, so the only way to experience this bliss of a breakfast is to make it yourself. The good news is that it is REALLY easy!

Recipe for Upma Kozhakattai / Steamed rice dumplings with coconut chutney

Serves 4

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes

Upma Kozhakattai with Thenga Thogayal

Upma, in its various forms, is a mainstay breakfast or tiffin item in most South Indian homes and Kozhakattai is something that Tamilians prepare during festivals. Upma Kozhakattai is none of these My grandma used to make this one, once in 3 months or so- making it one of my favourite tiffins. (You
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups Rava Idli
  • 2 - 3 chillies small dried red
  • 2 tbsps coconut grated fresh / frozen
  • 1 tsp dal udad
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • pinch asafoetida
  • A small piece Jaggery
  • 3 cups Water
  • 1.5 tsps or to tastes Salt

Method
 

Recipe for Upma Kozhakattai / Steamed rice dumplings:
  1. Heat 1 tsp oil in preferably a large non-stick wok. Splutter the mustard seeds. Add the udad dal and fry till golden brown, and then saute the dried red chillies and asafoetida for a few seconds.
  2. To this, add 4 1/2 cups of water. In the water, put in the coconut, jaggery and salt. Bring it to a rolling boil.
  3. Keep the flame on sim, and add the idli rava little by little with constant stirring to avoid any lump formation. Stir the rava well, and cover and cook for 5-6 minutes like how you would make an upma. Rice rava cooks faster than semolina rava. All the water must get absorbed and the resulting mass shouldn't stick to your fingers.
  4. Remove the 'upma' onto a big dish / thali and cool off for 5-10 minutes. Once cooled, take a big handful of upma and shape it into ovals / spheres, dipping fingers into water, to prevent from sticking. You will get roughly 14-15 such palm sized kozhakattais from 1 1/2 cups of flour. Arrange this in a steamer and steam them for 10 minutes.
  5. Serve hot straight out of the steamer with some spicy coconut chutney.
Recipe for Thenga Thogayal / Spicy Coconut Chutney:
  1. Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan. Splutter some mustard seeds, add 2 tbsp of bengal gram lentils (chana dal), 2 T of udad dad (split black gram lentils), 4 dried red chillies.
  2. Saute till the dals are golden brown. Add a pinch of asafoetida. Remove from flame and cool.
  3. In a chutney grinder, place 1 cup grated coconut, 1 tsp softened tamarind, 1 tsp of jaggery, the sauteed mix, salt to taste. Grind till the mixture is a coarse chutney.You can do a tempering with mustard seeds and curry leaves to this chutney after you remove it into a bowl. This chutney goes very well with most other South Indian tiffins like Idli , Dosai and Adai.

Notes

Notes:
Equipment required: Steamer.
Water to cook the rava is used in proportion of idli rava 1:3 (for one cup idli rava use 3 cups water).
by Nandita Iyer 
36 Comments

About Nandita Iyer

View all posts by Nandita Iyer

Related Posts

  • raw papaya poha green papaya pohaRaw Papaya Recipes : Raw Papaya Poha
  • Easy cake recipe – Quick Pumpkin and Spice Tea Cake
  • Badam Kesar Kheer with Pumpkin | Recipe for Almond Saffron Pudding
  • Healthy Baking : Savoury Rosemary Coconut Cookies
previous post: Honey Banana Muffins
next post: Weekend Breakfast Blogging # 1 -Round up

Comments

  1. Krithika says: July 14, 2006 at 12:18 pm

    Its been such a long time since I made these. Jaggery inside these kozhukattai is such a nice idea. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
  2. shilpa(Aayisrecipes) says: July 14, 2006 at 12:51 pm

    Nandita, your post brought back some of my childhood memories. My mom used to make upma balls whenever I fussed abt eating upma :). But I never knew something like that actually existed, and the steaming part is new to me. I will give it a try. Tanks for sharing :).

    Reply
  3. Priya says: July 14, 2006 at 2:01 pm

    Nanditaaaa….I was saving this recipe as my mother’s entry for the second round up..!!! I really love this dish but we have it with a tamarind+ginger+chillies chutney.

    Reply
  4. Ashwini says: July 14, 2006 at 10:40 pm

    One easy steps to enjoying kozhakattai – go to Nandita’s house 😀 Those look yum yum

    Reply
  5. Paz says: July 15, 2006 at 4:47 am

    Haha! I’m glad you remembered to post your entry as well! I like this recipe, which is very different for me. I also like your muffins below. I sometimes have a muffin for breakfast.Paz

    Reply
  6. nandita says: July 15, 2006 at 5:09 pm

    Krithika, Shilpa, Priya- This is one of my favourites, im wondering how i never tried to make it earlierAshwini-that comment of yours really tickled me :)Paz- Aint it funny, how i nearly forgot to participate in my own event – thankfully i remembered on the last day nearly

    Reply
  7. Vaishali says: July 15, 2006 at 9:26 pm

    I am definitely going to make that coconut-lentil chutney of yours, Nandita. It sounds good. Btw, I tried out your Banana Honey Muffins on last Wednesday. They turned out very good. A good proof of it: There were no muffins in the dabba on Friday. 🙂 I think that says it all. Whatever more can be said about it will be in the next edition of Blog Patrol. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says: July 16, 2006 at 1:24 am

    hey nandita,Im hungry here ,luking at ur upma kozhakottai..will deftly try making it …hope i get it ..wish u gudluckcheerssooz

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says: October 24, 2006 at 2:28 pm

    hi nandita,sorry i am a bit late to comment as i just now saw the recipe while surfuing the net.instantly brought back fond memories of my grandmother who used to make this atleast once a week for me. miss eating her food.thanks for posting this recipe.

    Reply
  10. Anonymous says: January 13, 2007 at 11:34 am

    http://butalbital-best5.blogspot.com/ Good Luck!

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says: February 6, 2007 at 12:40 pm

    Nandita, Reading your description, forced me to prepare, as I couldnt resist it. 🙂 It was my last night dinner & it was super delicious, I added some cashwenuts, few green chilles & also cilantro. It was yummy!!!Thanks, Aruna

    Reply
  12. nandita says: February 7, 2007 at 4:40 am

    Aruna,I am so glad you tried it and your family enjoyed the dinner. Thanks for coming back with your feedback.Best,Nandita

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says: September 24, 2007 at 1:59 pm

    Hi Nandita,I add about 2 tablespoon ful of toor dal to rice and soak it. It helps the protein-carb balance a bit.Best,Tina

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says: January 10, 2008 at 9:12 pm

    companies marketing mineral makeups and also get the best bargains in mineral makeup you can imagine, find aout how to consolidate your students loans or just how to lower your actual rates., looking for breast enlargements? in Rochester, homeopathy for eczema learn about it., Allergies, information about lipitor, save big with great bargains in mineral makeup, change edition interviewing motivational people preparing second, interviewing motivational people preparing second time, interviewing people motivational preparing for a second time, black mold exposure, black mold exposure symptoms, black mold symptoms of exposure, free job interview questions, free job interview answers, interview answers to get a job, lookfor hair styles for fine thin hair, search hair styles for fine thin hair, hair styles for fine thin hair, beach resort in the philippines, great beach resort in the philippines, luxury beach resort in the philippines,iron garden gates, here,iron garden gates,wrought iron garden gates, here,wrought iron garden gates,You: The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and Younger,eat eating mindless more than think we we why, la times classified,new york times classifiedtexturizer, texturizers here, black hair texturizer, find aout how care curly hair, find about how to care curly hair, care curly hair,lipitor rash, lipitor reactions, new house ventura california, the house new houston tx, new house washington dc, new house pa philadelphia, san antonio tx house new, house new pa philadelphia, new house washington dc, new house ventura california, the house new houston tx, house new san antonio tx, the house new houston tx, that you are looking for, new house ventura california, you need to buy, new house washington dc, house new pa philadelphia, new house san antonio tx,hair surgery transplant,air filter allergy,refurbished dell laptop computers,hair surgery transplant,air filter allergy,refurbished dell laptop computers,hair surgery transplant,air filter allergy,refurbished dell laptop computers,chocolate esophagus heartburn study,chocolate esophagus heartburn studybe informed,digestion healing healthy heartburn natural preventing way,digestion healing healthy heartburn natural preventing way,sew skirts, 16simple styles you can make!,sew what skirts 16 simple styles you,rebates and discounts on sunsetter awnings,sunsetter awnings discounts and rebates,discount on sunsetter awningsAllergies, lipitor rash, alcohol rash, lipitor and alcohol, lipitor alcohol, natural remedies to aid healing of esophagus,chicory heartburn,effectiveness of zocor vs. lipitor,chocolate esophagus,southwestern wrought iron yard gate,exterior iron gates,oriental wrought iron gates,powder coated iron garden fencing,

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says: April 8, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    black mold exposure,black mold symptoms of exposure,wrought iron garden gates,your next iron garden gates, here,hair styles for fine thin hair,search hair styles for fine thin hair,night vision binoculars,buy, night vision binoculars,lipitor reactions,lipitor reactions,luxury beach resort in the philippines,beach resort in the philippines,homeopathy for baby eczema.,homeopathy for baby eczema.,save big with great mineral makeup bargains,companies marketing mineral makeups,prodam iphone praha,Apple prodam iphone praha,iphone clone cect manual,manual for iphone clone cect,fero 52 binoculars night vision,fero 52 night vision,best night vision binoculars,buy, best night vision binoculars,computer programs to make photo albums,computer programs, make photo albums,free printable tax forms,printable tax forms, free here,craftmatic adjustable air bedcraftmatic adjustable air bed, info hereboyd night air bedboyd night air bed, low priceair bed in wisconsinbest air beds in wisconsincloud air inflatable bedbest cloud air inflatable bedsportable sealy air bedportables, sealy air bedsaluminum rv luggage racksaluminum made, rv luggage racksair bed form raisedbest air beds form raisedsupport equipments aircraftbest support equipments for aircraftsinformercials bed airbest, informercials bed airmattress sized air bedsbest mattress sized air bedantique doorknob identificationantique doorknob, identification tipstroubleshooting dvd playertroubleshooting with the dvd playerflat panel television lcd versus plasmaflat panel television, lcd versus plasma pic the bestcauses of economic recessionwhat are the causes of economic recessionfree printable tax formsfree printable IRS tax formsbed air foam adjustablebed air adjustable foam hoof prints antique and unusual equestrian printshoof prints, antique equestrian printsbuy adjustable air bedbuy the best adjustable air bedsair bedscanadian storesair beds, cheap canadian stores

    Reply
  16. tonythiru says: February 13, 2009 at 1:26 am

    Hi,The recipe sound great. You should post them on http://www.samukam.com social network in the Tamil recipe/food section.Best,Thiru

    Reply
  17. Gayathri says: February 24, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    I am really happy to invite you to participate in the contest that is getting launced on Feb 20 2009 – check out this link for details – http://justurs.blogspot.com/2009/02/magnificent-click-contest-2009.html contest.

    Reply
  18. shanthi says: March 31, 2009 at 11:44 pm

    Thank u for this recipe ..it has really been a long time since I ate this ..i din know the recipe and actually forgot about the dish itself,thanks for reminding and giving the recipe…

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says: May 17, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    Great recipe for a dish I’ve always been intimidated about preparing. I heard “great dinner” after a long time with the results of this recipe! thanks!

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says: June 25, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    no deposit poker bonus 😛

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says: July 27, 2009 at 8:51 am

    Nandita, please see this link, there is another lady who is copying your recipes, I’m a regular reader of ur posts, so though I should let u knowhttp://ssriranjini.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/upma-kozhakattai/Janani

    Reply
  22. Jenni Malsingh says: August 27, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    This looks really good, I have never used jaggery in my kozhakattai, but it sounds nice. And the idea of putting in the centre for a “sweet surprise” – lovely! Will be trying this next time I make them. I have a similar recipe, but I usually start with whole rice and I soak it overnight and grind it. You can see some pictures on my blog, if interested: http://mangosoup.blogspot.com/2009/08/steamed-rice-and-coconut-balls.html

    Reply
  23. kimberly sayer says: February 2, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    costa rica fishing vacations, sport fishing in costa rica,costa rica fishing charters,costa rica deep sea fishing,costa rica fishing package,costa rica sport fishing,costa rica fishing tours,costa rica fishing lodge,costa rica fishing trips,fishing jaco costa rica,costa rica surf fishing, fishing in costa rica, tours of costa rica, costa rica fishing,saltwater fishing, offshore fishing, manuel antonio, salmon fishing,sport fishing,fishing guide. http://www.fishingcostaricaexperts.com

    Reply
  24. resep brownies says: April 5, 2010 at 6:52 pm

    I always love cooking , and this is a very god article ,thanks

    Reply
  25. South Indian Recipes says: August 25, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    Perfect south indian recipe!!!

    Reply
  26. AK says: April 10, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    Tried this recipe, added 2 tbsp of soaked toor dal with it,came out really well. Eating the upma before steaming when its its crunchy and yummy is awesome too.i did steam them finally . Like many of your recipes but the best ones are like this one – easy to make, nutritious and filling. Would love to see more of these simple authentic recipes.

    Reply
  27. Jerold says: December 19, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Its a nice portal for south Indian food items. It is very much helpful for Bachelors like me.

    Reply
  28. Mahendran says: April 9, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    This thing is nice

    Reply
  29. Black Mold Symptoms Montgomery says: October 6, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read even more. I am bookmarking your feeds also

    Reply
  30. Anonymous says: May 9, 2013 at 6:20 am

    Why clone humans, reasons against cloning. Click http://www.gofastek.com for more information.Cindywww.gofastek.com

    Reply
  31. Anonymous says: June 7, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Tried this recipe on dad’s birthday. Turned out to be really good. He thoroughly enjoyed it. I am amateur in the kitchen and haven’t cooked anything more than maggi and poha. But you had given everything in a stepwise manner with accurate measure and pictures which made it much easier for amateur like me to cook . Thank you so much!

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says: January 9, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    have to try this one for my grandmapreethy http://tamilhindimovies.com/2014/01/watch-endrendrum-punnagai-jeeva-starring-tamil-movie-online/

    Reply
  33. Anonymous says: April 17, 2014 at 1:19 am

    Hi Nandita! Great blog 🙂 Could you also provide nutrition facts for these south indian food items? It would be of great help.

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says: March 7, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    instead of jiggery try adding fresh corn. it tastes good

    Reply
  35. Shobha says: January 25, 2019 at 10:35 am

    Hi Nandita, thank you for this recipe. I don’t have a steamer. Could I steam it in an idly cooker for 10 minutes instead?

    Reply
    • Nandita Iyer says: January 30, 2019 at 6:07 am

      that will surely work

      Reply

Leave Your Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





Click for details

Buy my books

Amazon Storefront

Subscribe to my newsletter

Subscribe to My Channel

Archives

Categories

Featured Recipes

  • Salad Recipes
  • Tamil Vegetarian Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Millet Recipes
  • Airfryer Recipes
  • Eggless Baking Recipes
  • Vegetable Recipes
  • Kerala Recipes

AS FEATURED IN

Copyright © 2025 · Saffron Trail by Nandita Iyer · Privacy & Disclosure Policy · Hosted & Managed by Host My Blog

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy Policy