Tekeli Pitha or Rice Cakes From Assam

Steamed Rice Cake

Tekeli Pitha or steamed rice cake is a breakfast delicacy of Assam, India.These steamed cakes can be either savory or sweet .Savory generally has egg as a filling while the sweet version is filled with grated coconut or black sesame seeds and jaggery.
Traditionally, it is prepared by soaking raw rice in water, draining the rice and grinding the rice while still damp. But to make the process more simple store bought rice flour can be used effectively. The prepared rice powder is then steamed in a special utensil called “Tekeli” (Assamese word for an earthen pitcher).
However; many use a kettle  to make Tekeli Pitha.When made in a kettle the same pitha is called Kettli Pitha


Ingredients:
(Makes 1 rice cake)
1 cup rice flour
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm water
1 egg
1 green chili
1 small onion

Step 1
Mix salt with the rice flour.
Step 2
Sprinkle little water at a time and mix with finger tips, till the rice flour starts looking like fine crumbs.
Step 3
Sieve mixture through a strainer .Leave sieved rice powder covered for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Chop onion and chilies. Add to the rice powder.

Step 5
Bring water to boil in a kettle or pitcher.
Place a thin muslin cloth at the mouth of the pitcher.
Make a dip in middle of the cloth and fill it with prepared rice powder.
Step 6
Cover the rice powder with muslin and place a lid on top.
Steam for 7-8 minutes
Step 7 (optional)
Remove cover and break an egg into the rice cake.


Step 8
Replace the cover and continue to steam till done
Step 9
Gently remove from heat and unwrap the rice cake onto a plate.
Remove the top portion and turn it over.
Step 10
Serve hot with pure ghee or butter. Enjoy!
To make sweet rice cakes:

Follow the procedure above but instead of the egg fill with:
1) Grated coconut mixed with powdered jaggery or sugar.
2) Roasted black sesame seeds and grated jaggery.


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