Kolkutter

KOLKUTTERS are sweet, rice flour treats which are moulded and steamed. It is usually prepared for prayers, including Vinayger Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi) and Sangatahara Chaturthi.

½ cup desiccated coconut

1/3 cup almonds, ground or finely chopped 1½ cups rice flour

1 tsp elachi (cardamom) powder

¼ cup milk

80g butter

1/3 cup castor sugar

½ teaspoon nutmeg powder pinch of salt

1/3 cup milk powder (optional)

1/3 cup sesame seeds (thill)

193g condensed milk (½ tin) water for steaming (± 1 cup)

Add the rice flour, elachi (cardamom) powder, nutmeg powder, milk powder (optional) and salt to a bowl.

Next, add the castor sugar. White granulated sugar may be used as an alternative. Add the desiccated coconut, sesame seeds (thill) and the almonds. Add the condensed milk.

Melt the butter for a few seconds in the microwave. Add it to the mixture. Finally, mix in the milk.

If the mixture is too mushy, add more rice flour. Take a small piece of the dough, around a golf ball size. Roll it in your hands and mould under your fingers. Continue the process until all the mixture is used.

Bring water to a boil. A steamer can also be used. Turn off the heat and place a dish towel over the pot. Secure it tightly with pegs at the ends.

Carefully place the kolkutters on top of the dish towel and steam for 10 minutes. The kolkutters must not touch the water.

After steaming, place the kolkutters on a plate. Reshape and mould if necessary. Do not refrigerate. Stays fresh for up to a week.