The Puttu Recipe: An Exploration into Kerala’s Sweet Taste

The Puttu Recipe: An Exploration into Kerala’s Sweet Taste delves into the traditional Kerala dish, Puttu. Discover how this steamed rice cake, layered with grated coconut, offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.

The Puttu Recipe: An Exploration into Kerala’s Sweet Taste

Keralan food has a diverse range of flavors that entice the palate while narrating historical tales. Kerala Puttu, a well-liked staple, stands out for its adaptability and simplicity. This steamed rice cake, with its distinctive cylindrical shape, captures every Malayali’s heart and remains a favorite breakfast choice.

How to make Puttu-

Prep Time: 15 minutes  

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients: 

– 1 cup rice flour (for rice puttu)

– 1/2 cup grated coconut

– Water (as needed)

– Salt (to taste)

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Rice Flour: Start by gently pan-roasting the rice flour until a nutty scent emerges. Give it time to cool.
2. Mixing: Place the rice flour and a small amount of salt in a bowl. Gradually add water while working the flour with your fingers until it becomes crumbly and wet, like wet sand.
3. Layering: Place one layer of grated coconut and then a layer of moistened rice flour in the puttu maker. Continue layering, and top with coconut.
4. Steaming: When you notice steam emerging from the top, after about ten minutes of steaming, attach the puttu maker to the pot of boiling water.
5. Serving: Place the steaming puttu gently onto a dish. Savor it as a full meal with sweets, bananas, or curries like kadala curry.

Puttu Variations and Varieties

1. Ragi Puttu: This version, made using finger millet flour, is high in iron and calcium. It has a somewhat earthy flavor that goes well with coconut and is a healthier substitute for typical rice puttu.
2. Wheat Puttu: This variation is a healthy choice because it includes wheat flour. It pairs well with curries or sweet accompaniments like banana and jaggery because of its gentle, nutty flavor.
3. Chiratta Puttu: When steamed inside coconut shells, the flavor and scent of the coconut permeate the puttu, improving its overall flavor. Its peculiar shape and texture are a result of the unique steaming technique.
4. Gothambu Puttu: Another healthy option is Gothambu Puttu, which is made from whole wheat flour. It is a heartier meal than rice puttu since it is thicker and frequently paired with spicy curries.
5. Corn Puttu: This version, which uses cornmeal in place of rice flour, has a flavor that is slightly sweet and nutty. It is a sweet and colorful substitute that is particularly well-liked by children.
6. Jackfruit Puttu: This variant, which adds a sweet and aromatic layer to the original dish by including ripe jackfruit into the rice flour, is ideal for people who want a little of fruitiness in their meals.

These adaptations showcase Kerala puttu’s adaptability, letting you savor various flavors and health advantages without sacrificing the dish’s authentic flavor.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Puttu

• Perfect Consistency: Make sure the rice flour is dampened evenly without becoming too wet. For fluffy puttu, the proper texture is essential.
• Layering: For a well-rounded flavor, alternate layers of rice flour and coconut.
• Steaming: Don’t fill the puttu maker to the brim. To ensure consistent cooking, allow some space for the steam to circulate.

Ways to Enjoy Puttu and Popular Accompaniments

Puttu is a flexible meal that is traditionally served with a wide range of accompaniments:

• Kadala Curry: This thick and spicy black chickpea curry is a traditional match for the mild flavor of rice puttu. It makes for a substantial breakfast because the combination strikes a balance between protein and carbs.
• Banana and Sugar: Puttu is frequently served sweet with ripe bananas and a dash of jaggery or sugar. This combination, in addition to adding a touch of sweetness, creates a delightful contrast with the steamed rice cake, highlighting the fruit’s natural richness.
• Coconut Milk: Some enjoy puttu with warm, mildly sweetened coconut milk, adding a rich, creamy texture and making for a cozy supper.
• Fish Curry: In coastal areas, people often serve puttu with hot fish curry. This pairing enhances the dining experience as the puttu’s light texture contrasts wonderfully with the curry’s acidic and spicy flavors, ultimately creating a pleasantly satisfying lunch.
• Papadum: Serve puttu with crispy papadum to create a crunchy texture. This combo remains popular for its delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Puttu, a popular dish in Keralan cuisine, shines in both savory and sweet forms thanks to versatile accompaniments.

Conclusion

Examining the Puttu formula A lovely approach to savor the essence of this dish is to prepare it Kerala-style. Try experimenting with other varieties, such as ragi or wheat, to get a filling and adaptable dinner that embodies the essence of Kerala cuisine. Now that you know how to prepare puttu, use these culinary ideas and techniques to improve the quality of your food and serve puttu with the true flavor of Kerala. a staple in your culinary repertoire, rice puttu is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.