Pidi means a fistful, and that is exactly how this one is shaped. No filling, no rolling, no neat little cups. You take a handful of the warm rice mixture, close your fist around it, and what comes out carries the marks of your own fingers.
Which means no two households produce the same thing, and nobody's looks like a photograph. That is the appeal. It is the oldest and least fussy member of the kozhukattai family, seasoned with mustard, urad dal and curry leaves and served hot with a little gingelly oil.
Shape it while the mixture is still warm. Let it cool and it will not hold together, and no amount of pressing will fix that.
Everything you need for this recipe is on the shelf at One Place Bazaar, delivered to all 32 counties. See the rest of our Ganesh Chaturthi recipes.
