Homemade Rice Puttu Recipe | Kerala Matta Rice or Basmati Rice
Rice Puttu is a classic South Indian breakfast that hails from the beautiful state of Kerala. This dish consists of steamed rice flour, often layered with fresh coconut, and served with a variety of accompaniments like Kadala Curry (black chickpeas curry), sugar, or even bananas. The process might sound detailed, but the result is a truly satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you use traditional Kerala Matta rice or Basmati rice, this dish is sure to delight.
Hereβs how you can recreate this delightful Kerala breakfast at home!
Ingredients
| 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 (including soaking)
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 535 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
- Soak the Rice: Start by washing the rice thoroughly. Once washed, soak the rice in water for about 8 hours or overnight to ensure that the grains absorb enough moisture. This is a crucial step to make sure the rice softens and grinds well.
- Drain and Dry the Rice: After soaking, drain the water and spread the rice out on a clean kitchen towel. Let it dry for around 20 minutes. It’s important that the rice retains some moisture, as overly dry rice will not grind properly.
Step 2: Grinding the Rice
- Grind the Rice: Once the rice has dried to the right level, grind it using a mixer or blender. The texture should be mildly coarse. Be careful not to grind it too fine as this may result in a lumpy mixture when making the Puttu.
Step 3: Preparing the Puttu Mixture
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground rice with the salt and 1/2 cup of the grated fresh coconut. Sprinkle about 4 tablespoons of water over the mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together. The mixture should be crumbly but should hold together when pressed into a ball.
- Test the Mixture: To test the consistency, take a small amount of the mixture and press it firmly in the palm of your hand. If it holds its shape when released, youβve got the right texture for your Puttu mixture.
Step 4: Letting the Mixture Rest
- Resting the Mixture: Set the prepared Puttu mixture aside for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to work with.
Step 5: Assembling the Puttu
- Prepare the Puttu Mold: You will need a traditional Puttu mold for steaming. If you donβt have one, you can use a similar steaming apparatus, such as a steel or metal tube.
- Layer the Puttu: Begin by placing about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the Puttu mixture into the bottom of the mold. Add a spoonful or two of grated coconut, and then add more of the rice mixture on top. Repeat the process, alternating between rice and coconut layers, until the mold is full.
- Press Lightly: Press each layer down gently but donβt compact it too much, as the steam needs to circulate for the Puttu to cook properly.
Step 6: Steaming the Puttu
- Prepare the Steamer: Add water to the bottom of the Puttu steamer and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the prepared Puttu mold in the steamer.
- Steam the Puttu: Allow the Puttu to steam on high heat for about 10 minutes. After 5 to 6 minutes, you will see steam start escaping from the holes of the mold, signaling that the Puttu is cooking.
- Allow Steam to Escape: Let the steam escape for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat. This ensures the Puttu is fully cooked and fluffy.
Step 7: Removing the Puttu from the Mold
- Unmold the Puttu: Carefully remove the mold from the steamer. Open the lid and, using a blunt knife or spoon, gently push the steamed Puttu onto a plate. The Puttu should come out in a cylindrical shape.
Step 8: Serving
- Serve Immediately: Puttu is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it with Kadala Curry (black chickpeas curry) for a traditional Kerala breakfast or with sugar and chopped bananas for a sweet twist.
Tips for Perfect Puttu:
- Rice Grinding: The key to soft, fluffy Puttu is the grinding process. Ensure the rice is ground to a coarse consistency.
- Coconut: Fresh grated coconut gives Puttu its unique flavor and texture. If you use dry coconut, the taste and consistency will be different.
- Steaming Time: Donβt rush the steaming process. Let the Puttu cook through completely for the best results.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Rice Puttu is a beloved Kerala dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its versatility, whether paired with savory curries or sweet accompaniments like bananas and sugar, makes it a favorite across India. This homemade version will fill your home with the comforting aroma of traditional Kerala cuisine and bring you a step closer to authentic South Indian breakfasts. Enjoy!
