Indian CuisineIndian FoodDurban Indian

Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai

Make authentic Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on October 8, 2019
Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time20 mins
⌛
Total Time35 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 24 Treats
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This Recipe Makes ± 24 Treats

Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai (also known as Koikutter, Kolikutter, Kolkatta, Vella Kozhukattai, Fingers), is a sweet, rice flour treat which is molded & steamed. It originated in South India.

These treats are usually prepared for prayers in the Hindu custom, namely, Vinayger Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi), Sangatahara Chaturthi, Varalakshmi Vratam (Luxmi Prayers), Mariamman Prayers (Porridge Prayers) & Dead Peoples Prayers.

My mum & late grandmother always prepared these Kolkutters / Pidi Kozhukattais during the prayer time, so I grew up always enjoying these delicious handcrafted goodies. These Kolkutters / Pidi Kozhukattais are very easy to prepare, & even yummy to devour.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 24 Treats
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Step-by-Step Instructions

30 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Ground or finely chop almonds.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Add rice flour to a bowl.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Thereafter, add in the elachi (cardamom) powder, nutmeg powder & salt.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Add in the milk powder. This step is optional, my mum adds it in when she prepares it, as it adds more flavour. I now have the tendency to add it in as well.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Next, add in the castor sugar. White granulated sugar may be used as an alternative.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Add in the desiccated coconut.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Next, add in the sesame seeds (thill).

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Add in the ground or finely chopped almonds.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Mix.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Pour in the condensed milk.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Melt the butter for a few seconds in the microwave.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Add the melted butter to the mixture.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Finally, pour in the milk.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Mix well.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Mixture should not be too mushy or else the mold won’t hold. If it is too mushy then add in more rice flour.

  16. Step 16

    Take a small piece of the dough, around a golf ball size.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Roll it a bit in your hands.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Make a fist motion, with the dough being under fingers.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Open hands & the Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai mold is formed.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Set aside on a plate & continue the same process until all the mixture is used.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Pour water into a pot – not too much. Preferably a pot with outer edges.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Bring water to a boil. Alternatively, a steamer may be used for this process.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Turn off the heat & place a dish towel over the pot. Secure it tightly with pegs on the ends.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Carefully place the Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai on top of the dish towel & allow it to steam for 10 minutes. Make sure that the Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai does not touch the water – this is why the dish towel needs to be secured tightly.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    After steaming, carefully remove the Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai from the dish towel & place onto a plate.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Allow to rest for 10 minutes so that they can firm up. Reshape & mold if necessary.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    These Kolkutter’s / Pidi Kozhukattai’s are now ready for devouring or offering for a prayer.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Do not refrigerate.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

    Stays fresh for up to a week.

    Step 29 visual guide
  30. Step 30

    These Kolkutter’s / Pidi Kozhukattai’s can also be prepared in conjunction with Roht, another Indian sweet meat & can be used as an offering during a prayer.

    Step 30 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Kolkutter / Pidi Kozhukattai in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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