If you’re craving an authentic taste of Kerala, the southern coastal state of India, look no further than the beloved dish known as Puttu. This traditional Kerala breakfast is as delicious as it is simple to prepare, with its soft, steamed rice flour and coconut layers offering a delightful texture. It’s often enjoyed with a variety of side dishes like bananas, curries, or even sugar and ghee. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast or a unique snack, making Puttu at home is a rewarding experience.
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to make Kerala-style Puttu in the comfort of your own kitchen.
What is Puttu?
Puttu is a steamed rice cake made from coarsely ground rice flour and fresh coconut. It is one of the oldest and most iconic dishes in Kerala’s culinary history, typically served for breakfast or as a snack. The dish has a distinctive cylindrical shape, thanks to the special Puttu maker (also called a Puttu kutti). While rice flour and coconut are the core ingredients, the accompaniments vary. Puttu can be paired with a variety of curries, banana slices, or even sweet toppings like jaggery or sugar.
Ingredients for Puttu
- 1 cup rice flour (preferably puttu flour, available in most Indian stores)
- ½ cup grated fresh coconut (divided into two portions)
- Salt (to taste)
- Water (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a sweeter version)
- Banana slices, curry, or sugar (for serving)
Equipment
- Puttu maker (a cylindrical steaming vessel, traditionally used to make Puttu)
- Steamer (if you don’t have a Puttu maker)
Step-by-Step Method to Make Kerala Puttu
- Prepare the Rice Flour Mixture:
- In a large bowl, add the rice flour and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add water, little by little, while mixing the flour with your fingers. The mixture should feel moist and crumbly, not doughy or sticky. The right texture is important because it allows the steam to pass through and cook the Puttu evenly.
- Add half of the grated coconut into the mixture and mix again to incorporate it.
- Preheat the Puttu Maker:
- Fill the bottom portion of the Puttu maker or steamer with water, making sure the water does not touch the upper cylinder.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Assemble the Puttu:
- Grease the inside of the Puttu maker or the steaming cylinder with a little oil or ghee to prevent sticking.
- Start layering the prepared rice flour mixture and grated coconut. Add a layer of the rice flour mixture, followed by a layer of grated coconut, and repeat until the cylinder is filled.
- Top the final layer with some grated coconut.
- Steam the Puttu:
- Place the filled Puttu maker into the steaming pot. Cover it and allow the Puttu to steam for about 10-15 minutes. You will notice the steam rising from the Puttu maker.
- Once cooked, the Puttu should be firm and fully cooked through, with a lovely aroma.
- Serve:
- Once done, gently push the Puttu out of the cylinder using a spoon or a small stick. The traditional shape is cylindrical, but you can break it into pieces if you prefer.
- Serve hot with your choice of accompaniments. Common side dishes include banana slices, sugar, ghee, or vegetable curry.
Tips for Perfect Puttu
- Rice Flour: Use good-quality, coarsely ground rice flour for authentic Puttu. The texture of the flour is key to achieving the perfect Puttu.
- Moisture: Be careful not to add too much water to the flour. The consistency should be slightly crumbly but moist enough to hold together when pressed.
- Steaming: If you don’t have a Puttu maker, you can use a regular steamer, but make sure to create layers in a cylindrical shape for even steaming.
- Coconut: The fresh grated coconut is an essential part of the dish, so try to use fresh coconut for the best flavor.
Variations of Puttu
While the basic Puttu recipe is simple, there are several variations you can try:
- Sweet Puttu: Add a bit of sugar to the rice flour mixture and serve with extra coconut and sugar or jaggery.
- Vegetable Puttu: Incorporate finely grated vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, or spinach into the rice flour mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Choco Puttu: For a unique twist, mix cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the rice flour for a chocolatey version.
Pairing Ideas for Puttu
Puttu is versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments:
- Kadala Curry: A traditional Kerala black chickpea curry, typically spiced with roasted coconut and curry leaves.
- Vegetable Stew: A mild, creamy curry made with mixed vegetables and coconut milk.
- Bananas: The sweetness of ripe bananas complements the mild flavor of Puttu.
- Sugar and Ghee: For a sweet treat, drizzle some ghee and sugar over the Puttu.
- Fish Curry: In coastal Kerala, Puttu is often served with a tangy, spicy fish curry for a hearty meal.
Conclusion
Making Puttu at home is an easy and enjoyable way to taste the flavors of Kerala. This simple yet satisfying dish brings together the goodness of rice and coconut, providing a wholesome meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this Kerala delicacy in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, get your steamer ready, and indulge in the authentic taste of Kerala with this Puttu recipe!
