Paal Pidi
Description
Pidi or Paal Pidi is a traditional breakfast dish loved by Syrian Christian families in the Kottayam region of Kerala. It's usually served with chicken curry and is popularly known as “Pidiyum Kozhiyum.” Let’s begin.
Ingredients
- 2 cup Rice flour
- 2 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
- 1 cup Coconut grated
- 10-12 Garlic cloves
- 5-6 Shallots
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 teaspoon Ghee
- Salt as required
Instructions
- 1 First of all, we will prepare the rice flour. You can use Idiyappam or Pathiri flour for this recipe.
- 2
In a bowl, mix rice flour with half a cup of grated coconut. Combine well using your hand and set it aside for about 10 minutes.- 3
While the flour is resting, extract coconut milk and keep it ready.- 4
Now prepare a spicy coconut masala by grinding garlic, shallots, coconut, and cumin with a little water. Keep it aside.- 5
Roast the rice flour and coconut mix gently, stirring continuously for some time on low flame.- 6
Now add salt and water to the ground coconut masala and let it come to a boil.- 7
Use this hot coconut masala mixture to knead the rice flour. Add the mixture little by little to the roasted flour and combine well.- 8
Note: Both the rice flour mix and the coconut batter should be hot. If possible, prepare both simultaneously to maintain the right consistency.- 9
Once mixed, allow it to cool slightly as the dough will be too hot to handle.- 10
When warm enough, add a little ghee and knead it into a smooth dough. If needed, sprinkle some hot water to get the right texture.- 11
Make small balls out of the dough and keep them aside.- 12
To cook the Pidi, heat a thick-bottom pan and pour in 2 cups of coconut milk. Let it boil.- 13
Gently add the rice balls into the boiling coconut milk and cook them slowly.- 14
To thicken the mixture, take half a cup of coconut milk, mix in one tablespoon of rice flour, and stir it without lumps.- 15
Add this to the cooking Pidi and mix well by gently swirling the pan. Avoid stirring directly with a spoon to protect the shape of the balls.- 16
Let the Pidi cook until the mixture thickens and the water content reduces significantly.- 17
Kottayam-style Pidi or Paal Pidi is ready. Serve warm with spicy chicken curry for an authentic traditional experience. - 2
