As the sun rises over Kerala’s lush landscapes, heralding the dawn of Vishu, homes come alive with anticipation. Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, marks a time of renewal, prosperity, and familial togetherness. And at the heart of this celebration is Vishu Katta, a traditional snack that embodies the essence of this auspicious occasion. It is a traditional snack deeply ingrained in the culinary heritage of Kerala, India. This year, the festival is falling on April 14th and it is the perfect opportunity for you to try this delicious dish at home.
Kerala’s New Year Tradition, Vishu Katta
#Vishukatta is a very traditional dish of Kerala prepared only on the day of #Vishu. Made with raw rice, coconut milk with a dash of cumin and dry ginger powder. In Northern parts of Kerala, after seeing ‘Vishukkani’, Vishu katta is served as breakfast.#KeralaCuisine #GoKerala pic.twitter.com/q4OVRrCVo9
— Dakshin Trails (@DakshinTrails) April 12, 2019
This delectable treat is a type of rice cake, subtly flavoured with cumin seeds, and is a must-have during Vishu celebrations. Its preparation and consumption during this auspicious time symbolise prosperity, renewal, and the beginning of a new year filled with abundance.
As families come together to celebrate Vishu, this dish serves as a symbol of unity and tradition. The combination of raw rice, coconut milk, and aromatic cumin seeds creates a harmonious blend of flavours that is both comforting and indulgent.
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A Recipe Crafted With Love
Here’s a recipe by Kerala Tourism you can try at home this year:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw rice
- 6 cups coconut milk
- ½ tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 ½ tsp Ghee
- 1 cup Sugar
Method:
- Start by powdering the raw rice to a fine consistency.
- Spread some ghee in a pan and set it aside for later use.
- In a thick-bottomed pan, pour 2 cups of coconut milk and place it on the flame.
- Once the coconut milk is heated, add sugar and mix until it dissolves completely.
- Add the powdered raw rice to the coconut milk and sugar mixture. Also, add the cumin seeds.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
- Sauté the mixture and allow it to cook. When it is halfway done, add the remaining coconut milk.
- Keep stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking.
- Once the mixture is fully cooked, pour it into the prepared ghee-rubbed pan.
- Allow the mixture to cool and set completely.
- Once set, garnish the Vishu Katta with cashew nuts for an added crunch and flavour.
- Cut the Vishu Katta into the desired shapes and sizes.
- Serve this delightful Vishu delicacy as a snack or dessert during Vishu celebrations, and enjoy its rich taste and cultural significance with family and friends.
Vishu Katta is not just a culinary delight but also a cherished tradition that brings people together.
Cover Image Courtesy: njan_sandeep/X (Previously known as Twitter)