Coconut Dates Stuffed Dudh Puli (Coconut dates stuffed rice dumplings)

Grind the shredded coconut along with walnut and 6 dates in a food processor/mixer at low pulse for 2-3 minutes. Using a spatula, take out the mixture in a bowl. This will be the filling of the pithe.

Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil in a non-stick pan. Add salt and ghee.

Turn off the heat. Add rice flour and stir and mix using a wooden ladle. Cover it and keep it aside for 3-4 minutes and then knead it into a firm but soft dough using your hands. The dough should not be sticky. Make lemon size balls from the dough. Keep the balls covered.

Now take 1 ball in your palm and stretch it along the edges to form a small bowl or a small thick tortilla.

Add some filling mixture as required in the center of the bowl and seal the edges using your fingers. Roll it smoothly on your palm, giving it an oval shape tapering towards the end, as shown in the picture. Keep it covered.

Take a large skillet. Add bay leaf, cardamon pods and milk and bring the milk to a boil. Once the milk comes to a boil, add the pithas one by one. Cook it in a low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, take out the pithas carefully and add the dates puree into the milk. Stir and mix till the puree blends with the milk. Add the pithas back into the milk and let it simmer for few minutes( approximately 7-8 minutes) on a low medium heat.

When the dudh pule pithe is cooked it starts to float.

Cool the Dudh Pule Pitha and serve them garnished with grated coconut.