Welcome to our blog post on how to make delicious puttu without a puttu maker! Puttu is a popular South Indian dish made with steamed rice flour and coconut. It is usually cooked in a special cylindrical vessel called a puttu maker. But what if you don’t have one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy homemade puttu without the need for a specialized tool.
The Traditional Puttu Maker
Before we dive into the alternative method, let’s take a moment to understand how a traditional puttu maker works. The puttu maker consists of two parts: a cylindrical container and a perforated lid. The container is filled with alternating layers of rice flour and grated coconut, and then the lid is placed on top. It is then steamed until the puttu is cooked to perfection.
Making Puttu Without a Puttu Maker: Step by Step
Now let’s get started with our alternative method for making puttu. Here are the simple steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Flour
Start by preparing the rice flour. You can either make it from scratch or use store-bought rice flour. If you are making it from scratch, grind the rice in a blender until it reaches a fine powder consistency. Sieve the powder to remove any impurities.
Step 2: Add Coconut
In a mixing bowl, add the rice flour and grated coconut. The ratio of rice flour to coconut should be approximately 2:1. Mix them together gently to combine.
Step 3: Add Salt and Water
Next, add salt to taste and a little water. Gradually add water and mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and moist. Be careful not to add too much water as it can make the puttu sticky.
Step 4: Steam the Puttu
Now, it’s time to steam the puttu. If you don’t have a puttu maker, you can use a regular steamer or idli maker. Fill the bottom pan with water and bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, take a small steel or coconut shell and place it in the center of the steamer.
Step 4.1: Layering Method
In this method, you can use a small cylindrical tin or even a cleaned and dried bamboo shoot as a makeshift puttu maker. Take the cylindrical container and start layering it with the rice flour and coconut mixture. Begin with a layer of coconut, followed by a layer of rice flour, and continue the process until the container is filled, ending with a layer of coconut on top.
Step 4.2: Alternative Method
If you don’t have a cylindrical container, don’t worry! You can use a small stainless steel or silicone cup as an alternative. Fill the cup with the rice flour and coconut mixture, ensuring that it is tightly packed.
Step 4.2.1: The Foil Wrap
If you are using a steel cup, cover the top tightly with aluminum foil to prevent condensation from dripping into the mixture. Make small holes in the foil to allow steam to escape.
Step 4.2.2: Silicone Cups Alternative
If you are using silicone cups, simply cover them with their lids or use a piece of banana leaf to cover the top before placing them in the steamer.
Step 5: Steam Until Cooked
Place the prepared puttu containers or cups in the steamer and cover it with a lid. Allow the puttu to steam for approximately 10-15 minutes or until it is cooked through. You can test the doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the puttu. If it comes out clean, the puttu is ready!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of rice flour for making puttu?
A: Yes, you can use different types of rice flour like white rice flour or brown rice flour. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly depending on the type of rice flour used.
Q: Can I steam the puttu in a pressure cooker?
A: Yes, you can use a pressure cooker as a steamer. Follow the same steps and place the puttu containers in a pressure cooker without the weight. Steam it for about 10-15 minutes on medium heat.
Q: Can I make puttu with other grains?
A: Absolutely! While puttu is traditionally made with rice flour, you can experiment with other grain flours like wheat, millet, or even semolina to create unique variations of puttu.
Q: What are some common accompaniments for puttu?
A: Puttu pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include kadala curry (black chickpea curry), banana, papadum, chicken or fish curry, egg roast, and coconut chutney.
Now that you know how to make puttu without a puttu maker, it’s time to unleash your culinary creativity and enjoy this delectable South Indian dish at home. Give it a try, and we’re sure you’ll be impressed with the results!