Puttu is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from rice flour and grated coconut. It’s steamed in a cylindrical vessel called a “puttu kutti” to create cylindrical-shaped cakes. Layers of rice flour mixture and coconut are alternated in the puttu kutti, resulting in a soft, fluffy, and slightly crumbly texture. Puttu is commonly served with accompaniments such as kadala curry (black chickpea curry), ripe bananas, or sugar. It’s cherished for its unique taste, texture, and nutritious qualities, making it a beloved breakfast option in South India, particularly in Kerala cuisine.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making Puttu:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour (preferably coarse, but fine rice flour can also be used)
- 1/2 cup grated coconut (fresh or frozen)
- Water, as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Equipment:
- Puttu kutti (a cylindrical steamer specifically designed for making puttu)
- Steamer pot or idli steamer (if you don’t have a puttu kutti)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Rice Flour Mixture:
- Take the rice flour in a large mixing bowl. Add salt to it and mix well.
- Gradually add water, little by little, and mix the rice flour using your fingers. Continue adding water until the flour becomes damp and holds shape when squeezed in your palm. The texture should be crumbly, not too wet or dry.
- Layering with Coconut:
- Take the puttu kutti (cylindrical steamer) and place the cylindrical tube (puttu kutti) in the center of it.
- Begin by adding a layer of grated coconut to the bottom of the cylindrical tube, followed by a layer of prepared rice flour mixture. Repeat this process, alternating between coconut and rice flour until the tube is filled, ending with a layer of coconut on top.
- Steaming the Puttu:
- Boil water in the steamer pot or idli steamer.
- Once the water comes to a rolling boil, place the filled puttu kutti on top of the steamer pot or idli steamer. Cover it with a lid and steam for about 10-15 minutes.
- Keep an eye on it, and when you see steam escaping from the top of the cylindrical tube, it indicates that the puttu is cooked.
- Removing and Serving:
- Carefully remove the puttu kutti from the steamer and allow it to cool for a minute or two.
- Gently push the cooked puttu out of the cylindrical tube onto a plate by using a wooden stick or the back of a spoon.
- Serve the puttu hot with accompaniments of your choice, such as kadala curry, ripe bananas, papadum, or sugar.
Enjoy your homemade puttu, a delicious and traditional South Indian breakfast delicacy! Adjust the consistency of the rice flour mixture by adding more or less water as needed to achieve the desired crumbly texture.
