๐ธ Goan Sweet Muthali | Sweet Rice Dumplings
๐ Ingredients (Makes 15โ18 dumplings)
- Rice flour โ 1 cup (finely ground or roasted)
- Water โ 1 to 1ยผ cups
- Grated coconut โ ยฝ cup (fresh preferred)
- Grated jaggery โ โ to ยฝ cup (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom powder โ ยฝ tsp
- Salt โ a pinch
- Ghee โ 1 tsp (optional, for softness)
- Banana/turmeric leaves โ small pieces (optional, for steaming & aroma)
๐ฒ Method
๐ธ Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Boil 1 cup of water with a pinch of salt.
- Lower the flame and slowly add the rice flour, stirring continuously.
- Mix until it forms a soft dough and leaves the sides of the pan.
- Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
- Once cool enough, knead with greased hands until smooth.
๐ธ Step 2: Make the Sweet Filling
- Mix grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom in a bowl.
- Let the jaggery melt naturally or warm lightly if hard.
๐ธ Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
- Take lemon-sized balls of dough and flatten in your palm.
- Place 1 spoon of the sweet filling in the center.
- Fold and seal gently into balls, half-moons, or ovals.
- Optionally, place on banana or turmeric leaf pieces.
๐ธ Step 4: Steam
- Arrange in a steamer or idli cooker.
- Steam for 12โ15 minutes until glossy and firm.
- Cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
โจ Significance
๐ฟ Cultural Note
Muthali is a cherished monsoon sweet from Goa, often prepared during feasts like Sangodd or for sacred offerings. While similar to Patoleo, Muthali skips the turmeric leaf wrap โ emphasizing simplicity and local abundance.
๐งโโ Nutritional Insight
- Jaggery โ Natural sweetener rich in iron.
- Coconut โ Provides healthy fats and dietary fiber.
- Rice flour โ Gluten-free, easy on digestion, and energy-rich.