Kerala Rice Puttu Recipe | Traditional South Indian Breakfast
Description:
Kerala Rice Puttu, also known as Puttu, is a beloved traditional South Indian breakfast dish originating from the state of Kerala. The dish features soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes with a crumbly, textured interior, prepared by steaming a mixture of rice and coconut. Although it is traditionally enjoyed in the morning, you can also savor this delicious dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with Kadala Curry (black chickpea curry) or enjoy it with sugar and chopped bananas for a wholesome meal.
Cuisine: South Indian (Kerala)
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Kerala Rice Puttu
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Matta Rice (or Basmati Rice) | 1 cup |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time:
495 minutes (Soaking time: 8 hours, Drying time: 20 minutes)
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions for Making Kerala Rice Puttu
-
Soak the Rice:
Begin by washing and soaking the rice (either Red Matta Rice or Basmati Rice) in water overnight or for about 8 hours. This step ensures the rice softens and becomes easier to grind. -
Drain and Dry the Rice:
After soaking, drain the water from the rice thoroughly. Spread the rice out on a clean kitchen towel to dry. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, ensuring it retains a slight amount of moisture, which helps it grind better. If the rice is too dry, it will not grind smoothly in the mixer. -
Grind the Rice:
Once the rice has dried but remains slightly damp, grind it in a mixer or blender. Grind the rice until it is mildly coarse. Be careful not to grind it too fine, as this may make the mixture too smooth and prevent it from holding its shape. -
Prepare the Rice Mixture:
Transfer the ground rice to a large mixing bowl. Add salt to the rice, along with half a cup of grated fresh coconut. Use your fingers to mix the rice, coconut, and salt together. Gradually sprinkle around 4 tablespoons of water on the mixture, mixing well. The texture should be crumbly. When you press the mixture in your hands, it should hold together like a ball, but break apart when released. -
Rest the Mixture:
Let the rice mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the ingredients to combine well. -
Prepare the Puttu Mould:
Take a Puttu mould (a cylindrical steam mold used to make Puttu). Begin by placing 3 to 4 tablespoons of the rice mixture in the base of the mould. Then, add a tablespoon or two of grated coconut in the centre. Top it with more rice mixture, lightly pressing it down. Add a little more grated coconut on top. -
Steam the Puttu:
Prepare a Puttu steamer with water at the bottom. Place the filled Puttu mould into the steamer and cover it. Steam the Puttu on high heat for about 10 minutes. After 5-6 minutes, you should notice steam escaping from the top holes of the mould—this indicates that the Puttu is cooking well from the inside. Let the steam escape for another 5 minutes to ensure that the Puttu is fully cooked. -
Remove and Serve:
Once the steaming is done, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the Puttu mould from the steamer. Open the lid and use a spoon or blunt knife to gently push the steamed Puttu out onto a plate. -
Repeat and Serve:
Continue the process with the remaining rice mixture. Serve the Kerala Rice Puttu with Kadala Curry for a traditional Kerala breakfast, or enjoy it with sugar and chopped bananas for a sweeter variation.
Tips for Perfect Kerala Rice Puttu:
- Rice Texture: Be sure to grind the rice to a coarse consistency, as fine rice may cause the Puttu to lose its characteristic texture.
- Moisture: Ensure the rice mixture is slightly moist before steaming, as this helps it steam better and gives it a crumbly yet firm texture.
- Steaming Time: Do not rush the steaming process. Let the Puttu steam for a good 10 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked and fluffy.
Variations:
- Sugar and Banana: For a sweet treat, you can serve the Puttu with sugar and sliced bananas. This is a delightful variation enjoyed by many in Kerala.
- Kadala Curry: Pair the Puttu with Kadala Curry (Kerala-style black chickpea curry) for a traditional, hearty breakfast.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Kerala Rice Puttu hot, straight from the steamer.
- Pair with a traditional Kerala breakfast curry like Kadala Curry or enjoy as a light snack with sugar and fruit.
Enjoy the taste of Kerala with this flavorful, healthy, and fulfilling breakfast dish. The soft, steamed rice and fragrant coconut make this a comforting dish perfect for any time of the day.
