How do you prevent 'kozhukattai' (steamed rice flour dumplings) from becoming hard or dry after cooling?

Question

How do you prevent 'kozhukattai' (steamed dumplings) from becoming hard or dry? Get tips for making the rice flour dough so they stay soft after cooling.

Answer 1

To prevent kozhukattai from hardening after cooling, brush them with a little oil or ghee immediately after steaming and store them in an airtight container.

Detailed Explanation:

Kozhukattai tends to dry out because the rice flour loses moisture as it cools. Here's a step-by-step guide to keeping them soft:

1. After Steaming: Once the kozhukattai are steamed and still hot, gently brush them with a thin layer of oil or ghee. This creates a barrier that helps retain moisture.

2. Cooling Process: Allow the kozhukattai to cool slightly, but not completely, before storing them.

3. Storage: The most important step is to store the kozhukattai in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying them out. If you have a lot of kozhukattai, you can layer them in the container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

4. Reheating (if needed): If you need to reheat them, lightly steam them again for a few minutes or microwave them with a damp paper towel to reintroduce moisture.

Pro Tip:

Don't overcook the kozhukattai during the steaming process. Over-steaming can also contribute to them becoming hard later on. Steam until they are just cooked through and slightly firm to the touch.