Puttu

Puttu is the most common breakfast item in Kerala. It is made out of rice flour and is usually cylindrical in shape. Puttu is made with the help of a Puttu maker. Puttu maker is a steamer which is cylindrical in shape. We used  idly moulds to make puttu as we do not have puttu maker here. Nowadays Instant puttu mix is available in Indian grocery stores. The dish has to be made with lot of grated coconut to get the authentic taste. Puttu has kadala curry as its accompaniment. If you have not tasted puttu and kadala curry then you have not experienced kerala cuisine !!! This dish never fails to remind us of home sweet home :-)
What you need for Puttu :

• 2 cups of rice powder
• 1 cup of coconut
• Salt to taste

The preparation method:

• Mix salt in hot water and add the water little by little to the rice flour and mix it. You should be careful while mixing the water to the rice flour. It should not change to dough. It should be in a powdered form wet enough for steaming.
• If you have a puttu maker : Now add a fistful full of grated coconut in the puttu maker and then add the rice flour till half, then add another handful of coconut. This is done till you reach the top of the cylindrical shape.
• If you don't have a puttu maker: Add a fistful full of grated coconut in the rice flour and mix well.
• It should look something like this :

• If you have a puttu maker then close the lid and steam for 4-5 minutes.
• If not , wrap the rice flour in a fresh towel and place in a idli cooker or equivalent.Steam for 4-5 minutes.
• Hot puttu is ready to be served with kadala curry or for the sweet-toothed, with milk,banana and sugar!!!