Steamed Rice & Lentil Dumplings – A Simple Traditional Homestyle Healthy Breakfast

Kozhukkatta (or Pidi) is a classic example of how traditional kitchens turn simple pantry staples into a nutritious, oil-free meal. Unlike the sweet versions, Upma Kozhukkatta is a savory, steamed dumpling made from broken rice and lentils. Because it is steamed, it is incredibly light on the stomach, making it a perfect fuel for a productive morning.

This is a simple homemade breakfast prepared using whole grains and traditional steaming methods. Made without unnecessary additives, it is suitable for everyday consumption as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Ingredients

• Roasted Rice Grit (Appam/Idiyappam Flour or coarse rice powder) – 1 Cup
• Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) – 2 Tablespoons (soaked for 15 mins)
• Grated Coconut – 1/4 Cup
• Water – 2 Cups
• Mustard Seeds, Curry Leaves, and a pinch of Hing (Asafoetida) – For tempering
• Salt – To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a teaspoon of coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing.
2. Add 2 cups of water and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the soaked moong dal and grated coconut to the boiling water.
4. Slowly pour in the rice flour/grit, stirring continuously to avoid lumps until it forms a thick dough that leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. While still warm, grease your palms with a drop of oil and shape the dough into small, lemon-sized balls or oblong shapes.
6. Place the balls in a steamer (Idli cooker) and steam for 10–12 minutes until they look glossy.

Serving Suggestions

This meal is best consumed fresh as a morning nourishment. It pairs beautifully with a simple Coconut Chutney or a spicy Onion-Tomato Thokku.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Recipe Yield: 2-3 servings
• Dish Type: Healthy Breakfast / Steamed

Nutritional Notes

Rice provides the necessary carbohydrates for energy, while Moong Dal adds a boost of protein. Being steamed and virtually oil-free, it is an excellent choice for heart health and weight management.

Internal Links

Gooseberry Chutney

Easy and Delicious Multigrain Bread Pudding

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice flour?

Yes, brown rice flour or red rice flour works perfectly and adds more fiber, though the texture will be slightly denser.

How long do they stay fresh?

They are best eaten warm, but they stay soft for 5–6 hours. You can re-steam them for 2 minutes to make them soft again.

Final Note

This is a simple, homestyle healthy meal intended to support everyday nourishment using familiar ingredients.

👉 USA Vitamin C

👉 India Vitamin C