Puttu (South Indian Breakfast)

Puttu (South Indian Breakfast) Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Puttu is a delicious and healthy breakfast dish that is popular in South India. It is made from steamed rice flour and grated coconut, which makes it a nutritious and filling option for breakfast. Puttu can be served with kadala curry, ripe banana, grated coconut, or sugar. There are several variations of Puttu, and you can experiment with different flours and ingredients to make it more interesting. Follow the tips mentioned in this article to make perfect Puttu every time.



If you are looking for a healthy and tasty breakfast recipe, then Puttu is a perfect choice for you. Puttu is a traditional breakfast dish from South India, especially from the state of Kerala. It is made from steamed rice flour and grated coconut, which makes it a nutritious and delicious option for breakfast. In this article, we will discuss how to make Puttu step-by-step and explore some variations of this dish.

What is Puttu?

Puttu is a traditional breakfast dish from Kerala, India. It is made from steamed rice flour and grated coconut. It is a healthy and filling breakfast option and is usually served with kadala curry, which is a spicy curry made from black chickpeas. Puttu is a popular dish in South India, and it is also served in some parts of Sri Lanka.

Ingredients for Puttu

The ingredients required for making Puttu are:

• · Rice flour - 2 cups
• · Grated coconut - 1 cup
• · Water - 1 cup
• · Salt - as per taste

Tools Required for Making Puttu

The tools required for making Puttu are:

• · Puttu maker - It is a cylindrical vessel used for steaming Puttu.
• · Puttu Kutti - It is a container used for filling the Puttu mixture into the Puttu maker.
• · Pressure cooker or steamer - It is used for steaming the Puttu.

How to Make Puttu?

Here is the step-by-step process for making Puttu:

• Take 2 cups of rice flour in a mixing bowl and add salt to taste. Mix well.
• Gradually add water to the rice flour and mix it with your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
• Add grated coconut to the mixture and mix well.
• Take the Puttu Kutti and fill it with the mixture.
• Take the Puttu maker and add water to it.
• Place the Puttu Kutti on top of the Puttu maker and steam it for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat.
• Once the Puttu is steamed, gently remove it from the Puttu maker and serve hot with kadala curry.

Serving Suggestions for Puttu

Puttu is usually served with kadala curry, which is a spicy curry made from black chickpeas. You can also serve it with ripe banana, grated coconut, or sugar. Some people also prefer to have it with chicken or mutton curry.

Variations of Puttu

There are several variations of Puttu, which include:

• · Ragi Puttu - It is made from ragi flour instead of rice flour.
• · Wheat Puttu - It is made from wheat flour instead of rice flour.
• · Kadala Puttu - It is made by adding black chickpeas to the Puttu mixture.
• · Puttu with Egg - It is made by adding egg to the Puttu mixture.

Tips for Making Perfect Puttu

Here are some tips for making perfect Puttu:

• Use fresh rice flour for making Puttu.
• Make sure that the rice flour is of fine quality.
• The ratio of rice flour to grated coconut should be 2:1.
• Gradually add water to the rice flour while mixing it to ensure that the mixture is crumbly.
• Do not overfill the Puttu Kutti as it may result in unevenly cooked Puttu.
• Steam the Puttu on medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until cooked.
• Once the Puttu is cooked, gently remove it from the Puttu maker using a fork or a spoon.

Health Benefits of Puttu

Puttu is a healthy breakfast option as it is made from rice flour and grated coconut, which are both nutritious ingredients. Rice flour is a good source of carbohydrates and provides energy to the body. Grated coconut is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Puttu is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy option for breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Puttu vegan?
Yes, Puttu is a vegan dish as it does not contain any animal products.

Can I make Puttu without a Puttu maker?
It is possible to make Puttu without a Puttu maker by using a makeshift steamer. You can use a pressure cooker or any vessel with a tight lid as a steamer.

Can I store leftover Puttu?
Yes, you can store leftover Puttu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the Puttu, steam it for a few minutes or microwave it for 30 seconds.

Can I make Puttu with other flours?
Yes, you can make Puttu with other flours like ragi flour or wheat flour. The process of making Puttu remains the same, and you can use the same ratio of flour and coconut.

Is Puttu a gluten-free dish?
Yes, Puttu is a gluten-free dish as it is made from rice flour, which does not contain gluten.