Wash rice a few times and dry on a cloth.

If you have enough time you can also soak for 2 hours, this helps to blend the rice easily.

When the rice is completely dry, pour it to a blender jar and pulse it a few times to get coarse grains or rava.

You can make it as fine or coarse as you like. I usually make it slightly more coarse than semolina or bombay rava. Dry this completely and store in a jar or use it.

Please note that 1 cup rice will make more than 1 cup rava. The recipe is for 1 cup rava. Measure and use only 1 cup rava.

Wash and soak chana dal in water for 15 to 20 minutes or for 10 minutes in hot water. Drain off and set aside.

Heat ghee in a pot. When the ghee turns hot, add cumin seeds if using. As soon as it sizzles add dal. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour water and add salt to pot. Bring it to a boil.

Regulate the flame to medium. Measure 1 cup rava and pour it to the boiling water slowly in a stream, mixing well with another hand to prevent lumps.

Cook till the water fully evaporates. Keep stirring to prevent burning.

Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the stove for just 2 minutes or until the water evaporates completely. Take care not to burn. Switch off the stove.

Optional - If using coconut add it now and mix.

Leave it covered for about 15 minutes. Next transfer this to a wide plate and cool.

Grease your palms or dip your fingers in water. Knead it well for a min or two.

Dip your fingers in water and make 16 balls with the dough. Arrange them in a wide greased plate. You can also use a cloth in the plate.

Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a pressure cooker or idli steamer.

When the water begins to boil, steam them for 8 minutes on a high flame.

If using a large pressure cooker steam for 10 minutes, a small pressure pan will need only 6 minutes.

Cook kudumulu and offer to God Vinayaka.