Kokis

Kokis

Kokis

Kokis is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet snack that is particularly popular during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. It is a deep-fried, crispy treat made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk, often flavored with turmeric and other spices.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients for making kokis include:

• Rice flour
• Coconut milk
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Sugar (optional)

Preparation

The preparation of kokis involves several steps: 1. **Batter Preparation**: The rice flour is mixed with coconut milk to form a smooth batter. Turmeric is added to give the batter a yellow color, and salt is added for taste. Some variations may include a small amount of sugar. 2. **Mold Dipping**: A special kokis mold, usually made of metal and shaped like a flower, is heated in oil. The hot mold is then dipped into the batter, coating it evenly. 3. **Frying**: The batter-coated mold is submerged in hot oil, and the kokis is fried until it turns golden brown and crispy. The mold is then gently shaken to release the kokis.

Cultural Significance

Kokis holds a significant place in Sri Lankan culture, especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (known as Aluth Avurudda in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil). It is one of the many traditional sweets prepared and shared among family and friends during the festive season.

Variations

While the basic recipe for kokis remains the same, there are regional variations in Sri Lanka. Some variations may include additional spices or flavorings, such as cardamom or vanilla.

Related Pages

• Sri Lankan cuisine
• Sinhala and Tamil New Year
• Rice flour
• Coconut milk
• Turmeric