Oreo Vishu Katta Traditional Recipe: A Crunchy Take on a Classic Dessert

What makes festivals so special? For most, it's the combination of age-old customs and new experiences that make each celebration special. Vishu, Kerala's beloved New Year festival, is steeped in rituals of prosperity and new beginnings. The first glimpse of Vishukkani, the elaborate sadhya spread on banana leaves, and the excitement of kaineettam (all elders in the family give vishu gifts to all those who are younger to them in age), make the day joyful and communal.

One of the traditional dishes associated with Vishu is Vishu Katta, a simple yet rich rice and coconut milk delicacy. Soft and mildly sweet, it is typically served as part of the festive menu. But if you’re in the mood to try something new this Vishu, adding a crunchy touch with Oreos can make for an exciting variation. Oreo Vishu Katta retains the spirit of this popular dish yet introduces a little chocolate and crunch for a new surprise. No matter if you are a purist when it comes to classic Vishu dishes or seeking innovation, this recipe is one not to miss from your celebration dinner table.

Recipe for Oreo Vishu Katta Traditional Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw rice (unakkalari)
• 6 cups coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 ½ teaspoon ghee
• 1 cup sugar
• 8-10 crushed Oreo cookies (for garnish)

Method:

1. Grind the raw rice to a fine powder and keep aside. Grease a pan with ghee and keep it ready for setting the katta.
2. Heat 2 cups of coconut milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add sugar and mix well. Add the powdered rice gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Add cumin seeds and continue stirring as the mixture thickens. Add the remaining coconut milk when half-cooked and keep stirring.
4. Shift the mixture to the greased pan and let it cool. Garnish generously with crushed Oreo cookies before serving for an exclusive crunch contrast. Cut to preferred shapes and serve as a special Vishu treat.

7 Tips for Making Oreo Vishu Katta Traditional Recipe

Use Fresh Coconut Milk

Although it is convenient to use store-bought coconut milk, freshly homemade coconut milk gives Vishu Katta a better depth of flavor. Grate a fresh coconut and extract the milk; then use both first and second extractions independently to add a rich depth to the dish.

Stir Continuously

The secret to a smooth Vishu Katta is stirring continually while adding powdered rice to hot coconut milk. Lumps can influence the texture, so whisk aggressively for a set result.

Balance Sweetness with Oreo Garnish

Regular Vishu Katta is lightly sweet, but introducing Oreos adds an additional sweetness. Modify the sugar in the base accordingly so that the dish does not become overwhelming when mixed with the chocolatey crunch of Oreos.

Crush Oreos Just Before Garnishing

For optimal crunch, crush the Oreos at serving time instead of folding them into the warm mixture. This keeps their form and provides contrast to the soft rice cake and pieces of cookies.

Let It Cool Before Cutting

Vishu Katta hardens well only when cooled to the core. If you cut it while hot, it will disintegrate. Leave it for a minimum of an hour and cut it into neat squares or diamonds.

Handle Cumin Seeds Lightly

Cumin imparts a hint of earthiness to Vishu Katta and balances the sweetness. As Oreos have a strong chocolate flavor, add cumin in minimal amounts so the traditional and modern flavors do not overwhelm each other.

Serve with a Drizzle of Coconut Syrup

To add an extra festive flair, drizzle coconut syrup or jaggery syrup over the Oreo-adorned Vishu Katta before serving. This enhances the traditional and modern aspects of the dish, making it an ideal presentation for your Vishu celebration.