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traditional kerala style leftover rice kinnathappam

Soft and Spongy Malabar Kinnathappam Using Leftover Rice

Learn how to make a delicious and soft traditional Malabar Kinnathappam using leftover cooked rice, coconut milk, and sugar. This easy recipe gives a spongy, melt-in-the-mouth texture that makes a wonderful evening snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert / Evening Snack
Cuisine: Kerala / Malabar Style

Ingredients
  

  • ​Cooked Rice: 2 cups Leftover rice
  • ​Rice Flour: 4 tablespoons
  • ​Coconut Milk: 2 cups
  • ​Sugar: 1.5 cups
  • ​Ghee: 3 tablespoons
  • ​Cardamom: 3 to 4 pods or powder
  • ​Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • ​Cooked Chana Dal Chana Parippu: 2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish/texture)

Equipment

  • ​Mixer Grinder / Blender
  • ​Non-stick Pan or Heavy-bottomed Pan
  • ​Spatula / Cooking Spoon
  • ​Cake Mold or Round Steaming Tray

Method
 

  1. ​Blend the Ingredients: In a mixer grinder, add 2 cups of leftover cooked rice, 4 tablespoons of rice flour, 1.5 cups of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 3-4 cardamom pods, and 2 cups of coconut milk.
  2. ​Make a Smooth Batter: Blend everything together thoroughly until you get a smooth, lump-free, and uniform batter.
  3. ​Prepare the Pan: Heat a heavy-bottomed or non-stick pan on medium-low flame. Add a little ghee and grease the pan or cake mold where you plan to set the kinnathappam.
  4. ​Cook the Mixture: Pour the blended batter into the pan. Keep the flame on low to medium and stir continuously using a spatula to prevent lumps or sticking at the bottom.
  5. ​Add Ghee Gradually: As the batter starts thickening, add 3 tablespoons of ghee intermittently while stirring continuously.
  6. ​Achieve the Right Consistency: Keep stirring until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and comes together into a soft, smooth mass.
  7. ​Set and Serve: Transfer the cooked mixture into a greased mold or tray, level the top evenly, and let it cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into desired shapes and serve.

Video

Notes

​Leftover Rice: Using soft, cooked leftover rice works best for getting a smooth texture when blended with coconut milk.
​Consistency: Ensure the batter is blended completely smooth without any rice grain chunks for the best spongy texture.
​Cooling: Allow the kinnathappam to cool down completely before slicing so it holds its clean shape properly.