Steamed Savory Poha Balls: A Light & Flavorful South Indian Delight (Aval Kaara Kozhukkattai)

25 minutes

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4.25 from 4 votes

About Steamed Savory Poha Balls: A Light & Flavorful South Indian Delight (Aval Kaara Kozhukkattai)

Craving a light yet flavorful South Indian delight? These Steamed Savory Poha Balls (Aval Kaara Kozhukkattai) offer a unique, healthy twist on tradition, perfect for a comforting meal any time of day.
Fluffy flattened rice (poha) is tempered with aromatic spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies, then steamed to perfection. This no-onion, no-garlic recipe is incredibly digestible and gentle on the stomach.
Enjoy these flavorful little bites for breakfast, dinner, or a satisfying snack—a truly nutritious and delicious experience awaits!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total25 minutes
Calories604 kcal
Serves4
Recipe TasteCrunchySpicy

Ingredients
 

Tempering Ingredients

Poha Mixture

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Instructions
 

  • Rinse the poha thoroughly under cold water. Drain well and set aside. This removes excess starch and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
  • Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. This releases their characteristic nutty flavor.
  • Add the urad dal and chana dal to the pan. Sauté until they turn golden brown. This adds a pleasant crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Add the green chilies, red chilies, asafoetida powder, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. This infuses the oil with aromatic spices.
  • Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
    Steamed Savory Poha Balls: A Light & Flavorful South Indian Delight (Aval Kaara Kozhukkattai) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the drained poha to the boiling water. Stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the poha is heated through and has absorbed the flavors of the tempering.
    Steamed Savory Poha Balls: A Light & Flavorful South Indian Delight (Aval Kaara Kozhukkattai) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let the poha mixture cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shape the mixture into lemon-sized balls.
  • Steam the poha balls for 10 minutes. This ensures they are cooked through and have a soft, pillowy texture.
  • Serve the Aval Kaara Kozhukkattai hot with your favorite chutney, pickle, or a sprinkle of sugar.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For added texture and flavor, mix in a tablespoon of finely grated fresh coconut and a handful of roasted, crushed peanuts into the poha mixture before shaping the balls.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, deseed the green chilies or substitute with finely chopped mild bell pepper for a subtle crunch without overwhelming spice.
  • To ensure the poha balls hold their shape, let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes after tempering to allow moisture to distribute evenly—this makes shaping easier and prevents crumbling during steaming.
  • Serve the steamed poha balls with a side of coconut chutney or a tangy tomato dip for a complete and visually appealing South Indian platter.

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, try using thick poha (flattened rice) as it absorbs the flavors better and creates a softer texture.
  • Don't oversteam the poha balls, as this can make them mushy. Steam them just until they are firm and heated through.
  • Get creative with the tempering! Add curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida for a traditional South Indian touch.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover poha balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a steamer or microwave before serving.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.25 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 604kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 30gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12g

subhashni venkatesh
subhashni venkatesh
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4.25 from 4 votes

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