Traditional Kavuni Arisi Payasam - Chettinad Sweet Recipe

Kavuni Arisi Payasam: A Traditional Chettinad Dessert with a Fascinating Legacy

    Few dishes as rich as Kavuni Arisi Payasam tell a story, a story of a lifetime, a story of a community, their heritage and legacy.  An ethnic and unique dessert of the Chettinad community. This signature dish, made with the intriguing black sticky rice known as Kavuni Arisi, carries the legacy of the Chettiars' vibrant history of travel, trade, and cultural exchange. Let’s dive into the origins, traditions, and a time-honoured recipe that celebrates this unique Chettinad Sweet.

CHETTINAD MUTTON KUZHAMBU

    Chettinad Cuisine is one of the popular regional Cuisines of South India. They have a skill of converting every meal into an elaborate venture, with varied dishes in both Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian. The traditional dishes of Chettinad Cuisine leave an indelible mark and takes a special place of its own in Indian Cuisine. Non-vegetarian dishes like Chettinad Chicken/Mutton prepared as Varuvals or Curries and dishes like Mutton Kola Urundai, Chettinad Fish Curry, Crab Masala, Kozhi/Chicken Rasam, Sura Puttu  have found a special place in the mind of food lovers around the world. Such is the speciality of Chettinad Cuisine. 

    Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu is one of the popular Curries from Chettinad Cuisine. A universally acclaimed dish around the world for its cornucopia of flavours unique to Chettinad Cuisine. Chettinad Cuisine is incomplete without a Mutton Curry/Aattukari Kuzhambu. The usage of Spices like Stone Flower(Kalpasi), Star Anise & Kapok Buds(Marathi Moggu) gives a unique flavour & taste to this Curry. We can find quite many versions of Chettinad Curries, but these spices are few ingredients commonly used in most of the Curries.

     Chettinad Cuisine is distinctly aromatic, spicy and has sensible usage of unique spices. The best part is the perfect blend of spices in perfect proportions. It has a lot of flavours going on, so finding the perfect blend of spices is the key. What adds character to most of the signature Chettinad dishes is that it uses freshly ground (and sometimes fried) spices. Traditionally the spices were ground using a Mortar & a Pestle. Still, many households follow the tradition.

    This Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu is a version cooked in a Pressure Cooker which yields soft & succulent meat pieces. This recipe is the same as Chettinad Chicken Curry, but we have to use a bit more spices when cooking the same recipe with Mutton/Lamb. Also, the best part of this Curry is it uses freshly ground spices & when the spices are fried in oil, it gives an extraordinary aroma and flavour to the Curry. It will not be an exaggeration if I say that the smell of the dish was emanating in my kitchen for a long time. 

For a detailed GLOSSARY OF SPICES, Click here...

Cuisine - Chettinad (Tamilnadu, South India)
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium - High
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 3-4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 20-30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30-45  Minutes

For more Recipes from CHETTINAD CUISINE, Click here...
    

HOW TO COOK CHETTINAD MUTTON KUZHAMBU

CHETTINAD MUTTON KUZHAMBU

INGREDIENTS:

For Chettinad Spice Powder:

 Coriander Seeds - 2 Tspn

 Dry Red Chillies - 4-5 Nos.

 Curry Leaves - 1 Sprig 

 Bay Leaf - 3 Leaves(small)

 Star Anise - 1 Petal 

 Stone Flower(Kalpasi) - 3 Small Pieces
 Kapok Buds (Marathi Moggu) - 1 Small Bud

 Cinnamon(1" piece) - 1 No.

 Clove - 2-3 Nos.

 Cardamom - 2-3 Pods

 Cumin Seeds - 1 Tspn

 Fennel - 1/2 Tspn

 Peppercorns - 1 Tspn

To Roast & Grind:

Grated Coconut - 1 Cup 

For Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu:

Mutton - 1/2 Kg

Oil - 3 Tbspn

Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 Tbspn

Onions - 2 Nos.

Tomatoes - 2 Nos.

Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Tspn

Red Chilli Powder - 1 Tspn

Curd - 1 Cup

Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs 

Salt - To Taste

For Garnishing:

Coriander Leaves - few

METHOD:

For Chettinad Spice Powder:

• Dry roast all the ingredients mentioned under 'For Chettinad Spice Powder' on a very low flame until aromatic.
• First, add Coriander Seeds and dry roast it for a while, then add Dry Red Chillies and roast it until the Chillies fluff up.
• Follow by adding the spices in the order I have mentioned one by one and roast them.
• Care should be taken not to burn the ingredients which will spoil the taste of this Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu.
• Remove the pan from the stove and allow it to cool down.
• Grind it into a fine powder and leave it aside.

To Roast & Grind:

• In a separate pan, dry roast the grated coconut on a very low flame until it turns into light golden yellow.
• Remove the pan from the stove and allow it to cool down.
• Grind the roasted Coconuts into a fine paste adding little water at a time.

For Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu:

• Clean, Cut & wash Mutton into small-sized pieces.
• Allow the Mutton pieces to drain in a colander.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a Pressure Cooker, let the flame be at medium-low.
• Add the Mutton pieces and sear it on a low flame until the colour changes & all the water is absorbed. 
• Now add the ground 'Masala Powder' to the oil and fry it.
• Fry it on a very low flame until it turns fragrant.
• Add Ginger Garlic Paste and saute it until aromatic.
• Add finely chopped Onions and saute until onions turn translucent.
• Then add finely chopped Tomatoes and cook until it turns soft & cooked.
• Add Turmeric Powder & Red Chilli Powder and fry for a while on a very low flame until the oil separates from the mix.
• Now pour in 1 Cup of Curd/Yogurt along with a dash of salt and mix well.
• Add enough water, cover the Pressure Cooker and place the Vent Cap.
• Cook on a high flame for 2-3 whistles, lower the flame and cook for another 3-4whistle.
• Now switch off the flame and wait until the pressure releases.
• Open the lid of the pressure cooker.
• Add finely ground Coconut Paste & 2 sprigs of Curry Leaves, cover the pressure cooker and again cook for another 2-3 Whistle on a high flame.
• Switch off the flame.
• Garnish Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu with Coriander Leaves.
• Serve Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu hot.
• This Curry goes well with Dosa, Idli, Kal Dosai, Uthappam, Vellayappam/Appam, Idiyappam, Chapatis, Rotis, Parathas and Rice too.
• Chettinad Mutton Curry can be paired with Biriyani & Pulao, Ghee Rice, Vegetable Brinji Rice etc.,
  

 

CHETTINAD MUTTON KUZHAMBU

NOTES:

• I have cooked this recipe in a Pressure Cooker.
• Can cook in your preferred method. 
• Adjust the cooking time to suit the meat you are using.
• The Mutton/lamb Meat I get here locally takes a lot of time to cook even in a Pressure Cooker.
• I have added Raw Papaya while cooking the Mutton, which eases the cooking process.
• Can also add Vinegar/Lime Juice/Baking Soda for the purpose. 
• This Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu is a spicy Curry.
• Adjust the spices to suit your spice level.
• Can also substitute Coriander Seeds with Coriander Powder & Dry Red Chillies with Red Chilli Powder.
• If doing so, add Coriander Powder & Red Chilli Powder finally while dry roasting the ingredients.
• Fry them on a low flame.
• Care should be taken not to burn the spices which will totally spoil the taste of this Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu.
• Mutton Kuzhambu needs a few extra spices when compared to Chicken Kuzhambu. 
• The same recipe can be prepared with Chicken too. For Chettinad Chicken Kuzhambu, Click here...

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Unleash the Culinary Magic: Chicken Kola Urundai Extravaganza!"

 

 "Savouring Chettinad Charm: Chicken Kola Urundai Delight"

    In the heart of Chettinad, where culinary tales are etched in tradition, the irresistible aroma of Chicken Kola Urundai wafts through kitchens. Join me on a flavourful journey as I try to uncover the secrets behind this South Indian delight. Rooted in Chettinad cuisine, the history of Kola Urundai dates back through generations, the bustling kitchens, with each family adding its unique touch to this delectable dish. My recipe pays homage to this culinary heritage, embracing the rich tapestry of Chettinad flavours.

    Come, let's embark on a culinary adventure that began with the perfection of Mutton Kola Urundai, inspired by my Sister-in-law (SIL) and the authentic recipes from Solai Achi's blog. The journey of crafting savoury meatballs took an unexpected turn when I decided to experiment with Chicken Kola Urundai.

Unleash the Culinary Magic: Chicken Kola Urundai Extravaganza!"

     It all unfolded during a family gathering, where the aroma of Mutton Kola Urundai brought back memories of home. Inspired by the success of the mutton version, I took a leap into the poultry realm. The first bite of Chicken Kola Urundai transformed a simple family meal into a feast, instantly becoming a household favourite. From the traditions of Mutton Kola Urundai to the newfound delight of its chicken counterpart, each bite tells a story of experimentation and culinary bliss.

    Now, join me as we unravel the secrets behind the creation of Chicken Kola Urundai – a symphony of flavours that has found its place among our cherished family recipes. 🍗🌶️

Unleash the Culinary Magic: Chicken Kola Urundai Extravaganza!"

 

"Explore the Art of Chicken Kola Urundai - A Tale of Tradition and Culinary Bliss Unveiled!"

 

Unleash the Culinary Magic: Chicken Kola Urundai Extravaganza!"

INGREDIENTS:

For Chicken Kola Urundai:

500 Grams Minced Chicken
15 Shallots
8-10 Garlic cloves
1" piece Ginger
2 Sprigs Curry leaves
1/2 Cup Coconut (grated)
1/2 Cup Pottukadalai (Roasted Bengal Gram Dhal)
1 Egg
2-3 Tablespoons Oil (to sauté)
Salt to Taste

Spices:

10-12 Dry red chillies
2 Teaspoons Fennel seeds
5 Cloves
2 Sticks Cinnamon (1" piece)

To Deep Fry :

Oil for deep-frying

 

Unleash the Culinary Magic: Chicken Kola Urundai Extravaganza!"

Method:

• Begin by skilfully mincing boneless chicken breasts, the hero of our dish.
  
• Dry roast the spice blend & grind into a fine powder, ensuring a symphony of flavours. This is where tradition meets innovation in your kitchen, it's a Chettinad Alchemy
  
• Grind pottukadalai into a fine powder.
• Sauté shallots, curry leaves, minced garlic, and ginger until translucent.
• Add ground spices, fry briefly, then introduce grated coconut and fry.
• Add minced chicken and salt, fry until dry.
• The chicken will be almost done by now.
• Remove from fire and allow it to cool.
• Grind the mix, slowly, by pulsing it first and then increasing the speed of the mixer. 
• Grind the kola urundai mix in batches.
  
• Then add powdered pottukadalai & then combine with an egg.
• Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
• Shape into small balls and set aside.
• Heat oil in a frying pan, when it is hot enough to fry the balls, drop the chicken balls one by one into it.
• Just add enough chicken balls into the oil, do not overcrowd the pan.
• Do not disturb or try to turn the chicken balls for a few minutes.
• Keep the flame at medium and fry the chicken balls.
• When they are half done, turn them around slowly and fry them until they are golden brown.
• Remove Chicken Balls/Chicken Kola Urundai from oil and drain them on a paper towel.
• Serve Chicken Balls/Chicken Kola Urundai hot.

Unleash the Culinary Magic: Chicken Kola Urundai Extravaganza!"

NOTES:

• Remove all white fatty threads from the minced meat.
• Dry roasting and powdering the spices will give a nice flavour.
• The secret weapon –  Pottukadalai Powder (Roasted gram dhal powder) Do not substitute it with besan or any other powder, It adds a textural delight that binds the spices and chicken into savoury perfection.
• Do not add water to cook the minced meat.
• The mix should be dry with no water content.
• Pottukadalai powder is mainly added to remove the wetness of the mix.
• Do not add water while grinding, too.
• Water content and the fat will break the meat balls in oil while frying them and tend to observe a lot of oil.
• Care should be taken, not to break the meat balls while turning them in oil while frying.
• Adding eggs will make them crispy.
• But then oil tends to bubble up while frying the next batches of meat balls.
• To avoid this, add a piece of tamarind into the hot oil.
• I add a handful of breadcrumbs while grinding the pottukadalai powder, this makes it crispier and adds a bit of sweetness to the meat balls. It is totally optional.
• Can cook this recipe with minced chicken or beef instead of minced mutton.
• For a Vegetarian Version of the same, try your hand with Beetroot Kola Urundai or Vazhaipoo Kola Urundai.
  
• Can also make Mutton Kola Urundai Curry with this mix.
• But there is no need to fry the meat balls/kola urundai for the curry.

    Chicken Kola Urundai has transcended boundaries, delighting taste buds and winning hearts. Even my family claims it surpasses the mutton & beef version!  This culinary voyage ends with a plateful of nostalgia and a satisfied palate. May your kitchens echo with the joy of tradition and the aroma of Chicken Kola Urundai. Stay tuned for more tales from the "Essence of Life - Food" blog!  

Authentic Kozhi Rasam: The Soul of Chettinad Chicken Rasam

Gramathu Samayal - The Comfort of a Village Kitchen

Kozhi Rasam, also known as Chicken Rasam, Koli Saaru, or Charu, is an authentic speciality of Chettinad cuisine, born in the kitchens of villages where rasam was as much medicine as it was meal.

There's an old saying in the Kongu and Chettinad belts - if the aroma of the rasam doesn't make the neighbour sneeze, you haven't used enough pepper. It was a broth brewed for fevers, for bad moods, for the first cold snap of the season, and it has stayed that way for generations.

My Nostalgia and Memory

I remember the sound of the Ammi (grinding stone) crushing peppercorns and cumin, a rhythmic thud that promised a meal that could cure anything.

As the old line goes, "Ammiyil arachu vacha Nattu Kozhi Patta Kilappum" - there's an undeniable magic when you grind those spices fresh. This recipe is a tribute to that tradition, bringing the rustic essence of a South Indian home into a modern kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Chettinad Flavours: Uses freshly ground rasam powder and local spices.
• Adaptable: Free-range chicken for traditional depth, or regular chicken for a quicker, softer bite.
• Nutritious and Comforting: Perfect for cold days or when you need something restorative.
• Natural Immunity: Black pepper and cumin act as a traditional digestive aid and help clear congestion.
• Zero Waste: The perfect way to use chicken trimmings and bones for a nutrient-rich broth.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy it with rice, or on its own as a soup.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: South Indian (Chettinad)
• Recipe Type: Rasam / Soup
• Yields: 1 Litre
• Servings: 3-4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Author: SM @ Essence of Life - Food

Time Estimate

• Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 Minutes
• Total Time: 35 Minutes

How to Cook Kozhi Rasam - Step-by-Step Details

Ingredients for Kozhi Rasam

For the Broth:

• 250 g Chicken (bony pieces preferred)
• 15 nos Shallots (small onions, slightly crushed)
• 1 medium Tomato (roughly chopped)
• ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 5 cups Water

For the Fresh Rasam Paste:

• 1 tsp Peppercorns
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• ½ tsp Fennel Seeds
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 2 nos Dry Red Chillies
• 4 nos Shallots
• 5 cloves Garlic

For the Tempering:

• 1 tbsp Oil (Gingelly oil preferred)
• 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves

For Garnishing:

• A few sprigs Fresh Coriander Leaves

Method - Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Rasam Paste

1. Dry grind the peppercorns, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander powder, dry chillies, shallots, and garlic to a coarse paste.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In a pressure cooker, add the chicken, crushed shallots, tomato, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and 5 cups of water.
2. Cook on high for 3 whistles, then lower the flame and simmer for another 6-8 minutes. If using Nattu Kozhi (free range chicken), you might need a few extra whistles as the meat is leaner and tougher.
3. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
4. Open the lid and strain the broth from the cooked ingredients.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the freshly ground rasam paste to the strained broth.
2. Boil for another 5 minutes on medium heat, until the raw aroma of the spices mellows out.
3. Reduce to a low flame and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Tempering - The Finishing Touch

1. In a separate pan, heat the oil and add fennel seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add curry leaves and fry for a few seconds.
3. Pour this tempering into the simmering rasam and stir.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Turn off the heat and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
2. Cover the pot for a minute or two to let the tempering aromas infuse the broth.

Pro Tips and Notes

• The Bones: The secret to a good Kozhi Rasam is the bones. If you have a carcass or wing tips, throw them in - they provide collagen and depth that meat alone cannot. Shredded chicken can be added back for texture.
• Chicken Choice: Free-range chicken (Nattu Kozhi) enhances the flavour, though regular chicken works well too.
• Gingelly Oil: Indian sesame oil for tempering adds a specific earthy note classic to Chettinad cooking. Ghee works for a richer taste.
• Pepper and Spices: If the rasam is too spicy, reduce the red chilli powder, not the pepper - the pepper is what makes it a rasam.
• The "Ammi" Texture: Even with a modern blender, use the pulse mode. You want a coarse texture, not a smooth paste, to keep the broth rustic.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a starter, in small mugs, on a rainy evening.
• For a traditional lunch, pair with steaming hot rice and a side of Mutton Chukka Varuval or Pichu Potta Kozhi.
• Chicken 65 or Fish Fry rounds out a complete meal.

Storage Suggestions

• Refrigeration: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, in an airtight container.
• Freezing and Thawing: Freezes well for up to a month in an airtight container. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat slowly on the stovetop; avoid a hard boil so the delicate flavours stay intact.

FAQ

Why should I strain the broth?
Straining creates a clear, easy-to-sip liquid by removing cooked skins and crushed bits that have already released their flavour.

Bones or shredded pieces?
Cook with bones for a rich broth, then either shred the meat back in for texture or keep it aside for a stir-fry like Pichu Potta Kozhi.

Is it safe for toddlers?
Yes, it's a great cold remedy for kids - just reduce the pepper and chilli levels to keep it mild.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it's naturally gluten-free.

Recipes You Might Like From My Blog

• Mutton Kola Urundai - these crispy meatballs are a legendary pairing with rasam rice.
• Prawn/Eral Masala - a thick, juicy South Indian masala that contrasts beautifully with the thin rasam.
• Chicken Liver Fry - an earthy, spiced liver fry that matches the richness of the broth.

Experience the True Essence of Chettinad Cuisine

Kozhi Rasam is more than a dish - it's a reflection of village life and culinary heritage, its boldness and comfort carried down through generations.

It's proof that the simplest village methods are often the most effective, feeding the soul and bridging old-world tradition with our busy modern lives. Whichever way you take it, as a mug of soup on a rainy evening or ladled over hot rice, this bowl never fails to deliver.

If you enjoyed this Authentic Chettinad Chicken Rasam, explore more Chettinad Recipes.

BEETROOT KOLA URUNDAI FRY

    Once, while I was shopping for vegetables in a Super Market, & I was picking up Beetroots. A Chinese lady came up to me & asked what you would do with this Vegetable? She was intrigued by the vegetable & particularly with the colour. That was what I understood from the little of my knowledge with the local language. Me, with my language skills(which is very poor to the standards) & with my action skills(which is comparatively commendable) explained to her that, Beetroots are healthy, rich in iron & vitamins. (Ah!!! I should have said like... Nalluvaru, Vallavaru, Naalum therinjavaru..., words were brimming up... but I was totally tongue-tied). Can cook a wide range of recipes out of it, though sticking a bit into their style of cooking - salads, juice, stir-fries etc., But the success of the conversation(did it at all happen?!!!) was that she picked some Beetroots saying that she will make Beetroot Juice. And finally, I gave her a thumbs up & we both exchanged a big smile(which doesn't need any language skill or translation). 

    Well, coming to the point, Beetroots fall into a category where it is liked & disliked equally. But according to me, it is a superfood and a staple in my refrigerator. I make a wide range of recipes out of it, and I love the wonderful colour it imparts into the dishes it is added.  

    While I was writing my previous post, I was a bit troubled by the fact that the Lunch Menu is not suitable for Vegetarians. Then I thought that I have a Vegetarian version of the same Kola Urundai with Beetroots & Vazhaipoo(Banana Blossom). This Beetroot Kola Urundai had been a long pending post, and there came a chance to write it up right away. A healthy and flavourful snack/starter/side dish from Chettinad Cuisine. 

    Though Mutton Kola Urundai is the most proclaimed Chettinad delicacy, a recipe prepared with Minced Meat. Chettinad Cuisine has catered the same delicacy in Vegetarian versions too - the ones with Vazhaipoo, Beetroots, Carrots, Soya Chunks, Vegetables, Plantains, Radish etc., & etc. Beetroot Kola Urundai Fry recipe is similar to Vazhaipoo Kola Urundai & Mutton Kola Urundai, with the only difference that the base ingredient is substituted with Beetroots here. When it is prepared with Beetroots, it is healthy & tasty. You can serve this Beetroot Kola Urundai Fry as a snack or a starter or simply serve it as a side dish along with Rice & a Curry. If you want to make Curry/Kuzhambu with this Beetroot Kola Urundai, then you don't need to fry them.

For CHETTINAD KOLA URUNDAI RECIPES, click here...

Cuisine - Chettinad (Tamilnadu, South India)

Course - Starter, Side Dish

Spice Level - Low - Medium

Difficulty - Medium

Serves - 3-4

Author - SM

Preparation Time - 30- 45 Minutes

Cooking Time - 30-45 Minutes

For more Recipes with BEETROOTS, Click here...

HOW TO COOK BEETROOT KOLA URUNDAI FRY

INGREDIENTS:

For Beetroot Kola Urundai: 

Beetroots - 2 Cups

Shallots - 15 Nos.

Garlic cloves - 8-10 Nos.

Ginger - 1" Piece

Curry leaves - 2 sprigs

Coconut grated - 1/2 cup

Pottukadalai(Roasted Bengal Gram Dhal) - 1/2 Cup

Egg - 1 No. (Optional).

Oil - 2 Tbspn ( to saute)

Salt - To Taste

Spices:

Dry Red Chillies - 12 Nos

Fennel Seeds - 2 Tspn

Cloves - 5 Nos.

Cinnamon 1" piece - 2 Nos.

To Deep Fry:

Oil

METHOD:

Beetroot Kola Urundai Fry:

• Dry roast all the ingredients under spices on a low flame for few minutes, and grind it into a fine powder and keep it aside.
• Grind the Roasted Bengal Gram Dhal(Pottukadalai) into a fine powder and keep it aside.
• Heat oil in a pan and saute, Shallots, Curry leaves, finely minced Garlic and Ginger until Shallots turn translucent.
• Add Turmeric Powder and freshly ground Spices to the above and give a quick stir.
• Add grated Coconut and fry for few more minutes.
• Add finely chopped/grated Beetroots and salt to the above and fry until there is no water content in the mix and it is totally dry.
• Saute it for few minutes until the Beetroots are cooked.
• Add powdered Roasted Bengal Gram Dhal(Pottukadalai) to the above and mix well.
• Remove from fire and allow it to cool.
• Grind the mix, slowly by pulsing it first and then increasing the speed of the mixer. 
• Add an egg to the above and mix well.
• Make small balls out of the mix and keep it aside.
• Heat oil in a frying pan, when it is hot enough to fry, carefully drop the Beetroot Kola Urundai one by one into it.
• Just add enough Beetroot Kola Urundai into the oil, do not overcrowd the pan.
• Do not disturb or try to turn the Beetroot Kola Urundai for few minutes.
• Keep the flame at medium and fry the Beetroot Kola Urundai.
• When the Kola Urundai is half done, turn them around slowly and fry them until they are golden brown.
• Remove from oil and drain them on a paper towel.
• Serve Beetroot Kola Urundai hot.

Beetroot Kola Urundai Kuzhambu(Curry):

• Can add these Beetroot Kola Urudai into the Curry too.  While doing so you dont need to fry them.
• For a detailed recipe on Kola Urundai Kuzhambu, Click here...
• Substitute Mutton Kola Urundai with Beetroot Kola Urundai. 

NOTES: 

• Can grate or finely chop the Beetroots.
• Dry roasting and powdering the spices will give a nice flavour.
• Do not substitute Pottukadalai/ roasted Bengal gram dhal with Besan or any other powder.  
• Pottukadalai powder helps to remove the wetness in the mix & also helps to yield soft Beetroot Kola Urundai.
• Do not add water to cook the Beetroots. 
• The mix should be dry with no water content.
• 
  
• Do not add water while grinding too.
• The water content will break the Beetroot Kola Urundai in oil while frying them and would become oily.
• Adding eggs will make them crispy. But for a vegetarian version, you can avoid adding eggs.
• But then oil tends to bubble up while frying the next batches.
• To avoid this, add a piece of tamarind into the hot oil.
• I add a handful of breadcrumbs while grinding the Pottukadalai powder, this makes it crispier and adds a bit of sweetness to the Beetroot Kola Urundai. It is optional.