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Kerala Puttu Recipe – Soft, Steamed Rice Flour Delight
If you’re looking for a traditional South Indian breakfast that’s both healthy and filling, then this Puttu recipe is your perfect pick! Loved for its soft texture and light taste, puttu is a steamed rice flour delicacy that originated in Kerala and is now cherished across India and beyond. It’s often served with kadala curry (black chickpea curry), ripe bananas, or grated coconut – making it a versatile and wholesome meal.
What is Puttu?
Puttu is a cylindrical-shaped steamed rice cake made using coarsely ground rice flour and grated coconut. Traditionally prepared in a puttu kutti (a special steaming vessel), it has become a symbol of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Though it’s simple to make, mastering the perfect soft, fluffy texture takes some practice – and this Puttu recipe is here to help you do just that.
Ingredients for the Kerala Puttu Recipe
To prepare this delicious Puttu recipe, you’ll need:
1 cup coarsely ground rice flour (roasted)
½ tsp salt
Water – as required
½ cup freshly grated coconut
Optional: sugar, ghee, banana, kadala curry for serving
How to Make the Perfect Kerala Puttu
Follow these step-by-step instructions to get soft and fluffy puttu every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Flour
Take the roasted rice flour in a large bowl.
Add salt to taste.
Gradually sprinkle water and mix with your fingers to form a moist, crumbly mixture.
The right texture is when the flour holds shape when pressed but crumbles easily.
Step 2: Layer the Puttu Kutti
Take your puttu maker (puttu kutti) and start by adding 1 tbsp of grated coconut.
Then add 2–3 tbsp of moistened rice flour.
Repeat the layering until the mold is filled, finishing with grated coconut.
Step 3: Steam the Puttu
Attach the filled puttu kutti to the pressure cooker or steamer filled with water.
Steam for about 5–7 minutes or until you see steam coming out from the top steadily.
Carefully remove and push the steamed puttu onto a plate using a skewer or spoon.
Serving Suggestions
This Puttu recipe pairs beautifully with:
Kadala curry – spicy black chickpea curry for a protein-rich breakfast
Ripe banana and sugar – for a sweet version
Ghee and jaggery – for a dessert-style twist
Boiled green gram or moong dal curry
Why You’ll Love This Puttu Recipe
Gluten-free and easy to digest
Oil-free & steamed, making it super healthy
Customizable with both sweet and savory options
A complete breakfast when paired with protein-rich sides
Tips for the Perfect Puttu
Always roast your rice flour for a fluffier result.
Don’t over-moisten the flour – sprinkle water little by little.
Use freshly grated coconut for the best taste.
Steam on medium heat for even cooking.
Serve hot, right after steaming, for the softest texture.
Regional Variations of the Puttu Recipe
While this blog focuses on the Kerala version, Puttu recipes vary slightly by region:
Tamil Nadu: Often steamed in coconut shells and served with sugar and banana.
Sri Lankan Puttu (Pittu): Made with red rice flour and often includes meat or spicy sambal.
Bengali Bhapa Pitha: A sweet variant with jaggery and coconut stuffing.
Popular Accompaniments for Puttu
Though the Puttu Recipe is delicious on its own, its accompaniments truly elevate the dish. Some classic combinations include:
Kadala Curry: A black chickpea curry made with coconut and spices – the most popular pairing in Kerala.
Banana & Sugar: A simpler combo for kids and those who prefer sweet breakfasts.
Steamed Plantains or Papaya: Adds a fruity twist.
Ghee & Jaggery: Rich and indulgent.
Nutritional Benefits of Puttu
One of the main reasons the Puttu Recipe remains popular is its health quotient:
Gluten-Free: Ideal for people with gluten intolerance.
Low Fat: Steamed, not fried — great for digestion and weight control.
Rich in Fiber: Especially when paired with coconut or chickpeas.
Plant-Based: 100% vegetarian and can be vegan-friendly too.
Modern Twists on Traditional Puttu
Kerala’s traditional breakfast has seen exciting reinventions over time. Here are a few trendy twists on the age-old puttu recipe:
Chocolate Puttu: Rice flour with cocoa and grated chocolate layers – a hit among kids.
Chicken/Mutton Puttu: Savory versions filled with spiced meat masala.
Jackfruit or Mango Puttu: Seasonal fruits mixed into the rice flour for a naturally sweet variation.
Final Thought
Whether you’re a South Indian cuisine lover or simply exploring healthy and flavorful breakfasts, the Puttu Recipe is a must-try. Its versatility, simplicity, and nutritional benefits make it perfect for modern lifestyles. From classic dishes to options like the Poha with Peanuts Recipe List, there’s something delightful for every breakfast table. Try it today and enjoy a piece of Kerala’s culinary heritage right in your kitchen.
Yes, but ensure it’s labeled “roasted rice flour for puttu.” Regular flour may not yield the right texture.
Absolutely! Since it’s made with rice flour and coconut, the puttu recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Yes. Use a coconut shell or steel tumbler with holes and steam in a regular steamer.
Kadala curry, banana, ghee and sugar, or vegetable stew pair beautifully with this traditional dish.
The puttu recipe is healthy enough to be enjoyed daily, especially when paired with nutritious sides.
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