Thakkadi (Rice Flour Dumplings in Meat Stew)

You haven't heard of it, have you? If yes, I bet you are a Sri Lankan and more specifically a muslim... Yes, it's a common breakfast (or dinner) preparation in most muslim households in Sri Lanka. 

They make savory dumplings (kozhukkattai) with rice flour, steam them and cook it along with a spicy meat stew. Usually big chunks of meat (mutton or beef) with bones are used as they impart lots of rich flavors. 

In our families, Eid festivals are incomplete without it... nothing can beat a scrumptious piping hot Thakkadi... If you love non-veg, you will love this too. One thing that I still wonder is, how it got this name???!! Funny isn't it?

Check the recipe with stepwise pictures.

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

Red/White Rice Flour (Roasted) - 2 Cups

Freshly Shredded Coconut - 1 Cup

Finely Chopped Shallots - 1/2 Cup

Finely Chopped Curry Leaves - 1/4 Cup

Salt - to taste

Boiling Water (if needed)

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For the Stew:

Beef with bones (Cut into big chunks) - 3/4 Kg

Thick Coconut Milk - 1/2 Cup

Chopped Onion - 1 large

Chopped Green Chilli - 3-4 

Chopped Tomato - 2 medium

Ginger & Garlic Paste - 1 Tbsp

Chilli Powder - 2 Tsp

Turmeric Powder - 1 1/2 Tsp

Cumin Powder - 2 Tbsp

Mixed Spice Powder - 1 Tsp

Salt & Pepper Powder - to taste

Curry leaves & Pandan leaves - a few

Oil - 2 Tbsp

Water - 1 Cup

Chopped Fresh Corinader Leaves (Optional)

Method:

1. In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and add onions. When they turn golden brown, add curry leaves and pandan leaves. saute for a minute.

2. Next add the green chilli and ginger galic paste. Cook until the raw flavor goes away.

3. Add the tomatoes and the spices for stew. Now add the beef, mix well. Add water. Cover tightly and cook on medium flame. (Do not add the coconut milk now)

4. In a clean and dry bowl add the flour, shredded coconut, shallots, curry leaves and salt. Mix until it resembles crumbles.

5. Now check your stew by carefully releasing the pressure. It should be half cooked. Now make a well in the center of the dough mix, and add half of the gravy from the curry. This gravy helps you to knead the dough. (If you find it insufficient, you can add boiling water in small amounts)

6. Now make lime sized balls from the dough and shape the way you desire. (I just made a gentle depression using my thumb so that it looks slightly hollow in the center). Once done, steam cook them. (See the before and after pictures below)

7. Add the dumplings into the stew. Mix gently and cook on medium flame till the meat is fully done. (Add more water if required). 

8. Finally add coconut milk, cook for about a minute and remove from heat.

9. Garnish with coriander leaves, Serve hot.