One of the wonderful things about Indian kitchens is the ability to create something new and yummy from almost any ingredient. Rice flour is one such versatile staple found in most households. Made by finely grinding rice grains, it is light, easy to digest, and best of all, completely gluten-free, making it gentle on the stomach.
During September-October, when the new rice harvest arrives, rice flour made from fresh grains tastes even better. It’s the perfect time to try your hand at a variety of breakfasts, snacks, and sweets. The beauty of rice flour lies in how easy it is to knead and cook. Whether roasted on a griddle, fried in oil, or steamed, it offers a unique taste in every form.
Here are eight simple and delightful dishes you can make
at home using rice flour – all light, tasty, and healthy enough to be enjoyed by both children and adults.
8 Tasty Dishes Made With Rice Flour
1. Rice Flour Dosa
Ideal for busy mornings, this quick-fix dosa requires no fermentation. Just prepare a thin batter using rice flour, yoghurt, water, and salt.
Spread it on a hot griddle and cook with a little oil. It turns out crisp on the outside and soft inside. Serve with sambar and coconut chutney for a delicious breakfast in minutes.
2. Akki Roti
A traditional flatbread from Karnataka, made using rice flour, finely chopped vegetables, green chillies, and coriander. The dough is spread on a banana leaf and cooked on a hot griddle.
It’s crisp on the edges and soft in the middle – best enjoyed with coconut chutney or a potato curry.
3. Rice Flour Pancake (Cheela)
These savoury pancakes make for a perfect breakfast or evening snack. Mix rice flour with yoghurt, salt, and spices. Add chopped onions, carrots, and coriander if you like. Cook on both sides until golden.
Serve with mint chutney or tomato ketchup – light, fluffy, and packed with flavour.
4. Kozhukattai (South Indian Modak)
A traditional sweet dumpling made from rice flour, filled with coconut and jaggery, often offered to Lord Ganesha. Steamed to perfection, these are slightly sweet, aromatic, and wonderfully soft – a true comfort food for anyone with a sweet tooth.
5. Rice Flour Murukku
A beloved South Indian snack made by combining rice flour with urad dal flour and spices, then deep-frying the dough into spirals. Murukku is golden, crunchy, and perfect with a cup of tea or as a travel snack.
It’s a festival favourite in many Indian households.
6. Pathiri
This ultra-thin, soft flatbread from Kerala is made by steaming rice flour dough. Traditionally paired with chicken or fish curry, Pathiri is known for its light, melt-in-the-mouth texture – a subtle yet delicious accompaniment to rich curries.
7. Ghavan (Konkani Pancake)
Hailing from Maharashtra’s Konkan region, Ghavan resembles dosa but has a distinct texture and taste. It’s made from rice flour, water, and salt, and forms a delicate, lacy pattern when poured onto a hot pan.
Enjoy it with coconut chutney or a spicy potato curry.
8. Rice Flour Halwa
Try this quick and comforting dessert. Simply roast rice flour in ghee, then add milk and sugar. Flavour with cardamom powder and cook until smooth. Garnish with roasted cashews and almonds.
This halwa is soft, fragrant, and a favourite among children.
