How to Make Soft Puttu: A Delicious South Indian Delight
Kerala-style puttu is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from rice flour and grated coconut. It's typically steamed in a cylindrical vessel called a "puttu kutti" or puttu maker.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour use puttu podi or specially ground rice flour for best results
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup warm water, adjust as needed. You may need more water based on the type of rice flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Optional: sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puttu Mix
- Start by taking 1 cup of rice flour (Puttu Podi) in a mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 tsp of salt to the rice flour. The salt enhances the taste of the puttu.
- Add 1 tsp of sugar for a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors.
- Gradually, add water little by little while continuously mixing the rice flour. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients. You want to moisten it enough so that when you press it between your fingers, it holds its shape but crumbles when you break it.
- Keep it aside for 20 minutes covered.
- Tip: The key is to sprinkle the water and mix simultaneously until you achieve a crumbly texture. Be cautious with the amount of water you add; you may not need the entire 3/4 cup, or you may need a little more. It should have a crumbly texture, not too dry or too wet.
Step 2: Layer with Coconut
- In the cylindrical puttu maker, start by adding a layer of grated coconut (about 2 tbsp).
- Follow it up with a portion of the prepared rice flour mixture (about 1/2 of the puttu maker).
- Continue layering, alternating between grated coconut and rice flour mixture until the puttu maker is filled. Finish with a layer of coconut on top.
Step 3: Steam the Puttu
- Add 3 cups water to a pressure cooker. Make sure the steam starts to come before placing the puttu maker.
- Place the filled puttu maker on top of a steamer or a pressure cooker without the weight.
- Steam for approximately 10-12 minutes on medium heat. You'll see steam escaping from the top holes of the puttu maker when it's ready. Once the steam starts to come wait for 5 more minutes.
- Tip: Keep an eye on it, as overcooking can result in a dry texture.
Step 4: Serve Hot
- Carefully remove the puttu maker from the steamer and let it cool for a minute.
- Push the soft puttu gently out of the cylindrical mold onto a serving plate.