Rice Puttu

Rice Puttu Recipe - A South Indian Delight

Region / culture: India, South India | Preparation time: 4 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice Puttu is a traditional South Indian dish made with rice flour and grated coconut. It is a popular breakfast item in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where it is often served with banana, sugar, or ghee. This dish is known for its unique cylindrical shape, which is achieved by steaming the rice flour mixture in a special utensil called a puttukutty.

History

Rice Puttu has been a staple in South Indian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Kerala, where it is a popular breakfast dish. The combination of rice flour and coconut is not only delicious but also provides a good source of energy to start the day.

Ingredients

0.5 kg: Raw rice
0.5 no: grated coconut
water, as needed
salt, to taste

How to prepare

Soak the rice in water for 4 hours, then drain it and grind it to make a fine powder.
Heat the powder for 5 minutes. While heating, stir it. Allow it to cool.
Mix salt with water and sprinkle it onto the powdered rice just to moisten the powder. For making puttu, a special utensil called puttukutty or micro puttu is used. Put a handful of grated coconut in the puttukutty and then add rice powder until it is half full. Then, add another handful of grated coconut.
Repeat the previous step until the top is reached. Close the lid and steam it for 2 minutes in a cooker. Serve it with potato curry or ghee.

Variations

Add jaggery or sugar to the rice flour mixture for a sweeter version of puttu.
Mix in grated carrots or beetroot for a colorful and nutritious twist on the traditional recipe.
Use different types of rice, such as brown rice or red rice, for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grind the rice to a fine powder to achieve the right texture for the puttu.

- Adding salt to the water before sprinkling it onto the rice powder helps to evenly moisten the mixture.

- Steaming the puttu for just the right amount of time is crucial to ensure that it is cooked through but still retains its fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Rice Puttu can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as potato curry, banana, sugar, or ghee. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a complete breakfast experience.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the key cooking technique for making Rice Puttu. It is important to steam the puttu for just the right amount of time to ensure that it is cooked through but still retains its fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to fresh coconut, you can use desiccated coconut or coconut milk as a substitute. You can also use store-bought rice flour instead of grinding your own rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice flour mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply steam the puttu in the puttukutty for a quick and easy breakfast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Rice Puttu in its traditional cylindrical shape on a plate, garnished with a sprinkle of grated coconut. You can also top it with a dollop of ghee or a drizzle of honey for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice Puttu pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as potato curry, chickpea curry, or egg curry. It can also be enjoyed with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Rice Puttu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam the puttu in the puttukutty for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Rice Puttu contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie breakfast option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Rice Puttu contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities.

Fats

One serving of Rice Puttu contains approximately 10g of fats. Fats are important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins.

Proteins

One serving of Rice Puttu contains approximately 5g of proteins. Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Puttu is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Rice Puttu is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with gluten or lactose intolerances. However, it does contain coconut, so individuals with nut allergies should avoid this dish.

Summary

Overall, Rice Puttu is a nutritious and balanced breakfast option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a filling and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Rice Puttu is a delicious and nutritious South Indian breakfast dish made with rice flour and grated coconut. It is a filling and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. With its unique cylindrical shape and fluffy texture, Rice Puttu is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a recipe for Rice Puttu, a traditional South Indian dish that I had never heard of before. The recipe was written in an old, weathered cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the fragrant, fluffy rice steamed to perfection.

I remembered the first time I tried Rice Puttu. It was at a small roadside stall in Kerala, where the air was filled with the aroma of spices and coconut. The vendor had a steaming pot of Rice Puttu on display, and I couldn't resist ordering a plate. The Puttu was served alongside a spicy coconut chutney and a steaming cup of chai. I took a bite and was immediately hooked. The delicate texture of the rice, the subtle sweetness of the coconut, and the hint of spices all combined to create a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue.

I knew I had to learn how to make Rice Puttu myself. So, I sought out the vendor and asked him for his recipe. He smiled kindly and invited me to watch him make it. As I watched, he explained each step in meticulous detail, from soaking the rice to steaming the Puttu in a special cylindrical mold called a Puttu Kudam. I jotted down notes furiously, trying to capture every nuance of the process.

After I returned home, I immediately set to work recreating the recipe. I soaked the rice, grated the coconut, and steamed the Puttu in my own makeshift Puttu Kudam. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. Over the years, I refined and perfected the recipe, tweaking the proportions of rice and coconut, experimenting with different spices, and honing my steaming technique.

As I grew more confident in my ability to make Rice Puttu, I began to share the dish with friends and family. They marveled at the complexity of flavors and textures, and begged me to teach them how to make it themselves. I happily obliged, passing down the recipe and the tradition of making Rice Puttu from generation to generation.

I learned that the key to making perfect Rice Puttu lies in the details. The rice must be soaked just long enough to soften, but not so long that it becomes mushy. The coconut must be freshly grated to impart a rich, creamy flavor. The Puttu Kudam must be heated just right to ensure even steaming without overcooking the rice.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, but Rice Puttu holds a special place in my heart. It is a dish that represents tradition, culture, and the art of cooking passed down through generations. Each time I make Rice Puttu, I am transported back to that roadside stall in Kerala, where I first fell in love with the dish. And each time I share it with others, I feel a sense of pride and joy in knowing that I am carrying on a culinary legacy that has brought so much happiness to so many.

So, the next time you crave a taste of South India, why not try your hand at making Rice Puttu? I promise you won't be disappointed. Just remember to pay attention to the details, and to cook with love and passion. For in the end, it is not just a dish that you are making, but a piece of history and tradition that will live on in the hearts and bellies of those you share it with.