🥥 Coconut Stuffing for Kozhukattai | Sweet & Juicy Filling

A luscious coconut and jaggery stuffing that melts in your mouth — the perfect partner for traditional Kozhukattai!

 🌾 Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh grated coconut
• 3 cups jaggery (use same cup measurement)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp ghee

 👩‍🍳 Instructions

 Step 1: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

1. In a kadai, combine jaggery and water. Mix well.
2. Cook on medium flame for 5-10 minutes until jaggery dissolves fully.
   💡 Tip: Use good quality jaggery with natural syrup for juicy, flavorful stuffing.
3. Wait for jaggery to begin boiling slightly before next step.

 Step 2: Add the Coconut

1. Add grated coconut to boiling jaggery syrup and mix well.
2. Initially, they will look separate; keep stirring on medium flame for 2-3 minutes.
3. The mixture will gradually blend together.

 Step 3: Cook the Mixture

1. Boil for 5-10 minutes allowing coconut to cook well in jaggery.
2. Keep stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning.
3. Coconut will absorb water and thicken.

 Step 4: Final Seasoning

1. Add cardamom powder and mix thoroughly without stopping.
2. Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until syrup is absorbed.
3. Add ghee and mix for another 2 minutes for richness.

 Step 5: Check for Doneness

1. Dip hand in water, try rolling small portion into a ball.
2. If it forms a smooth round ball easily, stuffing is ready.
3. If not, cook 1-2 more minutes but avoid overcooking.
4. Mixture should not stick to pan and should roll well.

 Step 6: Cool and Shape

1. Let stuffing cool completely.
2. Roll into small balls and keep aside.
3. Shape just before stuffing Kozhukattai — stuffing hardens if left too long.

 ✅ Tips for Perfect Stuffing

• Use quality jaggery with natural syrup for best flavor and texture.
• Maintain medium flame throughout cooking to avoid burning.
• Stir continuously; never stop during cooking.
• Avoid overcooking to prevent hard stuffing.
• Use ball rolling test for doneness.

 🍽️ Usage

This coconut stuffing is ideal for:

• Traditional Kozhukattai (steamed rice dumplings)
• Modak (sweet dumplings)
• Other South Indian stuffed rice delicacies

Achieving the right moisture balance is key — juicy enough to be flavorful but firm enough to hold shape.

 Video Tutorial