Kadubu, a traditional South Indian snack, has been a staple in many households for generations. These small, steamed rice dumplings can be flavored and filled with a wide range of ingredients to create a diverse array of delicious treats. From sweet and sticky jaggery fillings to savory and spicy moong dal mix-ins, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering kadubu recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a unique dessert, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Read on to discover how to make the most of this versatile and delicious snack…
Steamed Rice Kadubu with Coconut Filling
A traditional Kerala dish, Steamed Rice Kadubu with Coconut Filling is a delicious and easy-to-make snack or dessert. The combination of soft steamed rice dumplings filled with sweet coconut mixture is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1/4 cup grated coconut
– 1/4 cup jaggery powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ghee or oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Mix cooked rice with salt and enough water to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide into small portions and shape into dumplings.
4. Heat 1/2 teaspoon of ghee or oil in a steamer basket.
5. Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each.
6. Steam for 10-12 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
7. For the filling, mix grated coconut with jaggery powder and cardamom powder.
8. Once the kadubu are cooked, fill each with the coconut mixture.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Jaggery Sweet Kadubu with Cardamom
These sweet kadubus are a traditional South Indian treat that combines the natural sweetness of jaggery with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup grated jaggery
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup ghee or unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– A few green cardamom pods, crushed
– Freshly grated coconut, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, jaggery, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted ghee or butter and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Gradually add lukewarm water and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball slightly and place a few crushed cardamom pods on top.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm, garnished with grated coconut if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ragi Kadubu with Sesame Seeds
A traditional South Indian snack, Ragi Kadubu is a delicious and nutritious treat that’s easy to make. These savory doughnuts are made with ragi flour, sesame seeds, and spices, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ragi flour
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine ragi flour, sesame seeds, salt, and baking soda.
2. Gradually add the vegetable oil and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Add the lukewarm water and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Divide into small portions and shape into balls.
6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the Kadubu until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
7. Drain excess oil and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Moong Dal Kadubu
Kadubu, a traditional South Indian savory snack, gets a spicy twist with the addition of moong dal and red chilies. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup split yellow moong lentils (dal)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2-3 red chilies, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the dal and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the water and grind the dal into a coarse paste using a blender or food processor.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the ground dal, salt, and chopped red chilies to the pan. Mix well.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana Leaf Wrapped Kadubu
Kadubu is a traditional Kerala dessert where ripe bananas are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. This recipe yields a delicious, soft, and slightly sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup jaggery powder or brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ghee or unsalted butter, melted
– Banana leaves (fresh or frozen)
– Water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer to high heat.
2. Cut the bananas into 1-inch pieces and mix with jaggery powder, cardamom powder, and melted ghee/butter until well combined.
3. Cut a banana leaf into a square shape, large enough to wrap around the banana mixture.
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the banana mixture onto the center of the leaf, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
5. Fold the leaf over the filling and secure with a toothpick or string.
6. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
7. Steam the kadubu for 15-20 minutes or until the bananas are soft and the leaves are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Savory Urad Dal Kadubu
Savory Urad Dal Kadubu Recipe
Urad dal kadubu is a popular Karnataka dish that consists of crispy, savory fritters made with urad dal (black gram), onions, and spices. This recipe makes 8-10kadubu.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup urad dal
– 2 medium onions, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (optional)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Soak the urad dal in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and blend into a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent.
3. Add the blended urad dal paste, cilantro, baking soda, salt, and asafoetida (if using) to the pan. Mix well.
4. Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into small patties (about 1-inch diameter).
5. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the kadubu and fry until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain the kadubu on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Sweet Coconut and Jaggery Kadubu
Kadubu is a traditional South Indian sweet dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the richness of coconut with the sweetness of jaggery, making it a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated coconut
– 1/2 cup jaggery powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ghee or oil
– 1 cup milk
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a pan, combine the grated coconut, jaggery powder, and cardamom powder.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the ghee or oil, milk, and salt. Mix well.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until it thickens to your liking.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Shape into small patties or spheres. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy these sweet and creamy Kadubu as a snack, dessert, or offering to the gods!
Millet Kadubu with Peanut Stuffing
These sweet and savory millet dumplings are a popular snack in Karnataka, India. The peanut stuffing adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl millet (bajra)
– 1/2 cup peanuts
– 1/4 cup jaggery powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the millet and soak it in water for at least 4 hours.
2. Drain the water and grind the millet into a coarse paste using a blender or grinder.
3. Heat the ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the peanuts, jaggery powder, salt, and cardamom powder. Cook until the peanuts are lightly toasted.
4. Divide the millet paste into small portions. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place a tablespoon of the peanut stuffing in the center of each millet disk. Fold the edges to form a neat package.
6. Steam the kadubu for 15-20 minutes or cook them in boiling water for 10-12 minutes.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Masala Kadubu with Curry Leaves
A flavorful twist on the traditional masala kadubu, this recipe adds a depth of flavor and aroma with the addition of curry leaves. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup split black gram (kadalai)
– 1/2 cup besan (chickpea flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 curry leaves
– Chopped onions and cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the black gram, besan, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each one into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball slightly and place a curry leaf in the center.
6. Fold the dough over the curry leaf to form a triangle or a square shape, sealing the edges by pressing them gently with your fingers.
7. Place the kadubu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped onions and cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pumpkin Kadubu with Grated Coconut
Kadubu is a traditional Indian sweet dish made with pumpkin, coconut, and spices. This recipe combines the flavors of roasted pumpkin and grated coconut to create a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked and mashed pumpkin
– 1/2 cup grated coconut
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed pumpkin, grated coconut, sugar, cardamom, and salt.
3. Add ghee or oil and mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or mold.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Lentil Kadubu
Kadubu are a type of Indian savory pancake that can be enjoyed as a snack or as a main course. This recipe combines the nutritious goodness of spinach and lentils with aromatic spices to create a delicious and filling dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup split red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lentils, spinach, onion, garlic, cumin seeds, and coriander powder.
2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
4. Pour the lentil mixture into the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the edges start to curl.
5. Flip the kadubu and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mango Kadubu with Coconut Milk
Experience the sweet and creamy fusion of Indian and tropical flavors with this easy-to-make Mango Kadubu recipe, featuring coconut milk as a key ingredient.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup ghee or unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango and coconut milk. Mix well.
2. Add the melted ghee or butter, cornstarch, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a no-bake, chilled dessert.
Enjoy your delicious Mango Kadubu with Coconut Milk!
Jackfruit Kadubu with Palm Sugar
Kadubu is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert that’s both sweet and savory. This recipe uses jackfruit, palm sugar, and coconut milk to create a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jackfruit seeds
– 1/2 cup palm sugar
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Rinse the jackfruit seeds and soak them in water for at least 4 hours.
2. Drain and grind the jackfruit seeds into a smooth paste.
3. Heat the ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the palm sugar and cook until it dissolves, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the coconut milk, salt, and ground jackfruit to the pan. Mix well.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and forms a dough-like consistency.
6. Knead the dough well to remove any lumps.
7. Shape into desired shapes (e.g., balls or logs).
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic and Coriander Kadubu
Kadubu are steamed dumplings from the region of Andhra Pradesh, typically filled with a mix of spices, herbs, and vegetables. This recipe is a variation that adds a pungent twist with garlic and coriander.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of rice flour
– 1/4 cup of grated coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds, toasted and crushed
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together rice flour, grated coconut, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add the minced garlic and crushed coriander seeds to the mixture.
3. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into small portions.
5. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into patties.
6. Steam the kadubu over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your favorite chutney.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Beetroot Kadubu with Sesame Topping
These crispy beetroot patties are a twist on traditional Indian street food, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. The addition of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beetroot, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
– 1/4 cup rice flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds, for topping
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together mashed beetroot, besan, rice flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add lemon juice and water, mixing until a thick batter forms.
3. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop small portions of the batter onto the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
5. Top with sesame seeds and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Corn and Cheese Kadubu
A twist on traditional Indian street food, this Corn and Cheese Kadubu recipe combines sweet corn with gooey cheese for a delicious snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked corn kernels
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together corn kernels, cheese, flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Divide into 6-8 equal portions.
6. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each kadubu.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Carrot and Peanut Kadubu
Kadubu is a popular South Indian snack that pairs the sweetness of carrots with the nuttiness of peanuts, all wrapped up in a crispy rice flour dough. This recipe combines the traditional flavors with a hint of spice to create a deliciously addictive treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rice flour
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– 1/4 cup roasted peanut powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together rice flour, grated carrot, peanut powder, cumin seeds, and red chili powder.
2. Add salt to taste and mix well.
3. Gradually add water to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.
7. Fry the kadubu in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Turmeric and Ginger Kadubu
Kadubu, a popular snack from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, gets a flavorful twist with the addition of turmeric and ginger. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick tea-time treat or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of rice flour
– 1/2 cup of maida (all-purpose flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, maida, and salt.
2. Add the turmeric powder and grated ginger to the mixture. Mix well.
3. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into small portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.
6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the kadubu until golden brown (approximately 3-4 minutes per side).
7. Drain and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the rich culinary heritage of India with these 18 mouthwatering Kadubu recipes! From traditional to modern twists, this collection offers a diverse array of flavors and ingredients. Enjoy steamed rice Kadubu filled with coconut, sweet treats like jaggery and cardamom, or savory options like ragi Kadubu with sesame seeds. Spicy moong dal Kadubu, banana leaf-wrapped treats, and innovative combinations like pumpkin Kadubu with grated coconut will tantalize your taste buds. With a range of fillings from peanuts to cheese, there’s something for every palate.
