Stuffed Clams / Kakka (Elambakka) Nirachathu

Ingredients:

1 kg big fresh clams with shells

2 cups rice flour

1/2 cup grated coconut

2 green chillies

1 small onion, chopped

2-3 tsp fennel seeds

2 tbsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

salt to taste

hot water, as required

Preparation:

1. Clean the shell of the clams and split open through the slits with a knife without breaking the shells apart. Wash it well , drain the water inside and keep it aside.
2. Grind grated coconut, fennel seeds , green chillies and chopped onions to a coarse paste.
3. In a bowl, add rice flour and salt. Add ground coconut mixture to this and mix well.
4. Then add the required amount of boiling water ( about 2- 2 1/2 cups) and mix well using a wooden spoon.
5. When the dough is still warm, knead it well to a soft and smooth dough.
6. Stuff the cleaned clams with the dough and steam it for 20-25 minutes.
7. Once it is cooled, remove the shell carefully and keep it aside. The flesh inside the clams would stick to the steamed rice dough.
8. Make a paste of kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt adding little water.
9. Heat oil in a pan, dip the steamed clams in this paste till well coated and fry it till golden at medium flame. Serve as a snack for tea...