Ultimate Puttu Recipe Guide: A Taste of South India

Introduction:

Puttu is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from steamed rice flour and grated coconut. It’s a cylindrical-shaped steamed rice cake that’s popular in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This versatile dish can be paired with various accompaniments, making it a delicious and nutritious breakfast option. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make perfect Puttu at home, Ultimate Puttu Recipe Guide: A Taste of South India.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• Water, as needed
• Salt, to taste

Step 1: Preparing the Rice Flour Mixture

Begin by preparing the rice flour mixture that will form the base of the Puttu.

Substep 1.1: Selecting the Rice Flour

• Choose a good quality, finely ground rice flour for the best results.

Substep 1.2: Mixing Rice Flour with Water

• In a large mixing bowl, add the rice flour.
• Slowly add water little by little and mix with your fingertips until the rice flour resembles a crumbly texture. The texture should be such that when you hold a portion of the mixture in your fist, it should hold its shape.

Step 2: Preparing the Puttu Vessel

Set up the Puttu vessel (Puttu kutti) for steaming.

Substep 2.1: Assembling the Puttu Kutti

• Place the perforated disc at the bottom of the Puttu maker.
• Add a layer of grated coconut.

Step 3: Layering and Steaming the Puttu

Now, let’s layer the rice flour mixture and steam it to form the Puttu.

Substep 3.1: Layering Rice Flour and Coconut

• Alternate layers of the rice flour mixture and grated coconut in the Puttu maker, starting and ending with rice flour.
• Press down gently to ensure even layers.

Substep 3.2: Preparing for Steaming

• Close the top of the Puttu maker.

Substep 3.3: Steaming the Puttu

• Place the Puttu maker over a pot of boiling water or in a steamer.
• Steam for about 8-10 minutes until the Puttu is cooked and holds its shape.

Step 4: Serving the Puttu

Serve the freshly steamed Puttu with a variety of accompaniments.

Substep 4.1: Unmolding the Puttu

• Gently push the steamed Puttu from the Puttu maker onto a plate.

Substep 4.2: Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with Kadala Curry (black chickpea curry), ripe bananas, or sugar, as per your preference.

Conclusion:

Enjoy this traditional South Indian delicacy for breakfast or as a light meal, and savor the unique flavors and textures that Puttu offers. Experiment with different accompaniments to discover your favorite way to enjoy this classic dish!