22 September, 2023

Making of Kerala Delicacy Puttu

Posted in : Recipes on September 22, 2023 by : admin

Puttu is a traditional and popular Kerala delicacy made from steamed rice flour and coconut. It is often served as a breakfast item but can also be enjoyed as a snack or even a side dish with curries. Here’s how to make puttu:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice flour
• 1/4 cup of grated coconut
• A pinch of salt
• Water (as needed)
• Puttu maker (a cylindrical steaming vessel)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice Flour:
   • You can either use store-bought rice flour or make it at home. To make rice flour at home, wash and soak raw rice (usually parboiled rice) for a few hours, then drain it and let it dry on a clean cloth. Once dried, grind the rice into a fine powder using a mixer or a flour mill.
2. Mix the Rice Flour:
   • In a mixing bowl, add the rice flour and a pinch of salt. Mix it well with your fingers.
3. Add Coconut:
   • Sprinkle some grated coconut into the rice flour mixture. Mix it in evenly. The coconut adds flavor and moisture to the puttu.
4. Add Water:
   • Gradually add water to the rice flour mixture, little by little, and mix it with your fingers. Keep adding water and mixing until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs and can hold its shape when squeezed in your hand. Be cautious not to make the mixture too wet.
5. Assemble the Puttu:
   • Take your puttu maker (cylindrical steaming vessel) and its accompanying tube. Fill the bottom part of the puttu maker with water, just enough to create steam but not so much that it touches the puttu mix.
   • Place a layer of grated coconut at the bottom of the puttu tube.
   • Now, add the rice flour mixture in layers. Start with a layer of rice flour mixture, then a layer of grated coconut, and repeat until the tube is filled. The top and bottom layers should be coconut.
6. Steam the Puttu:
   • Close the top of the puttu tube with its lid.
   • Place the puttu tube on top of the puttu maker, which is filled with water.
   • Steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until you see steam rising from the holes at the top of the puttu tube. This indicates that the puttu is cooked and has a fluffy, crumbly texture.
7. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the cooked puttu from the tube by gently pushing it out with the provided stick or a long fork.
   • Serve hot with traditional Kerala accompaniments like kadala curry (black chickpea curry), banana, or grated coconut.

Puttu is best enjoyed fresh and hot, and it can be paired with a variety of side dishes to suit your taste preferences. It’s a wholesome and nutritious breakfast option that’s loved by many in Kerala and beyond.