Puttu is a traditional South Indian dish that is typically made with rice flour and coconut. It is a popular breakfast item and is often served with banana, chickpea curry, or coconut chutney. While making puttu traditionally requires a special puttu maker, you can also make it using a pressure cooker. Making puttu in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy alternative that still results in delicious, fluffy puttu.
To make puttu in a pressure cooker, you will need a pressure cooker with a steamer attachment, rice flour, grated coconut, salt, and water. Start by mixing the rice flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water to the mixture and knead it into a soft dough. The dough should be crumbly, but should hold its shape when pressed together.
Next, fill the pressure cooker with about 2 cups of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. As the water begins to boil, place the steamer attachment on top of the pressure cooker. Layer the bottom of the steamer with grated coconut and then add a layer of the rice flour mixture. Repeat this process until the steamer is filled, making sure to end with a layer of grated coconut on top. This will help to create steam and infuse the puttu with a coconut flavor.
Once the layers are complete, close the pressure cooker with the lid and place the weight on top. Allow the puttu to steam for about 10-15 minutes. You will know it is ready when steam begins to escape from the weight. Carefully remove the pressure cooker from the heat and let it cool slightly before opening the lid. Use a spoon or a fork to gently fluff the puttu and transfer it to a serving plate. Serve hot with your choice of toppings and enjoy!
Prepare the ingredients
Before starting the process of making puttu in a pressure cooker, it is essential to gather and prepare all the required ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
Ingredients:
- Rice flour – 2 cups
- Water – 1 cup
- Grated coconut – 1/2 cup
- Salt – as per taste
Ensure that the rice flour you use is of good quality and finely ground for the best results. Freshly grated coconut is preferred to enhance the flavor of the puttu.
Once you have all the ingredients ready, proceed to the next step of preparing the puttu mixture.
Choose the right rice
In order to make delicious puttu, it is important to choose the right type of rice. Traditionally, a special variety of rice called “puttu rice” is used to make puttu. This rice is a short-grain variety that is slightly sticky when cooked.
If you cannot find puttu rice, you can also use regular white rice. The key is to choose a rice variety that is not too long-grain or too sticky. Basmati rice, for example, is not a suitable choice for puttu as it is too long-grain and will not give the desired texture.
Short-grain rice
Short-grain rice, such as jasmine rice or sushi rice, can be a good alternative to puttu rice. These varieties have a similar texture and stickiness that is required for making puttu.
Avoid sticky rice
On the other hand, sticky rice or glutinous rice is not suitable for making puttu. This type of rice has a very sticky texture when cooked and will result in a dense and clumpy puttu.
It is recommended to wash and soak the rice for about 30 minutes before using it to make puttu. This will help remove any impurities and ensure that the rice is cooked evenly.
By choosing the right rice, you can ensure that your puttu turns out soft, fluffy, and with the perfect texture.
Mix the rice flour with grated coconut
Once you have prepared the rice flour, you need to mix it with grated coconut. This combination adds a unique flavor and texture to the puttu. Take a bowl and add the rice flour to it. Then, add the grated coconut into the bowl. Make sure you mix the rice flour and grated coconut together thoroughly. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the puttu.
If the rice flour is too dry, you can sprinkle some water to moisten it. However, be careful not to add too much water as it can make the mixture sticky. The consistency should be crumbly, yet slightly moist.
Once you have mixed the rice flour and grated coconut, your mixture is ready to be used for making puttu. You can now proceed to the next step of the recipe, which is steaming the mixture in a pressure cooker or puttu maker.
Ingredients: | – Rice flour | – Grated coconut | |||
Instructions: | 1. Take a bowl and add the rice flour to it. | 2. Add the grated coconut into the bowl and mix thoroughly. | 3. If the rice flour is too dry, sprinkle some water to moisten it. | 4. The consistency should be crumbly, yet slightly moist. | 5. Use the mixture to make puttu as per the next steps of the recipe. |
Assemble the pressure cooker
Assembling the pressure cooker is an important step in making puttu. Make sure you have all the necessary components before you start.
First, take the base of the pressure cooker and place it on a flat and stable surface. Ensure that the pressure cooker is clean and free from any debris.
Next, insert the whistle nozzle into the vent tube located on the lid of the pressure cooker. Make sure it fits securely and is positioned correctly.
Then, place the gasket or sealing ring into the lid. This ring helps to create a tight seal and ensure that no steam escapes during the cooking process.
After that, align the lid with the base of the pressure cooker and lock it into place. Ensure that the lid is securely fastened and there are no gaps.
Finally, check the pressure release valve to ensure it is in the closed position. This valve regulates the pressure inside the cooker and should be closed while cooking.
Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling and using a pressure cooker, as different models may have slight variations.
Once the pressure cooker is assembled, it is ready to be used for making puttu. The airtight seal created by the pressure cooker helps to cook the puttu evenly and quickly, resulting in a delicious and fluffy dish.
Add water to the pressure cooker
Before starting the cooking process, it is important to add water to the pressure cooker. This water will create the steam necessary to cook the puttu. Depending on the size of your pressure cooker, you will need to add a certain amount of water.
Step 1: Check the manufacturer’s instructions
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model to determine the amount of water to add. Different models may have different requirements, so it is essential to follow the guidelines provided.
Step 2: Fill the pressure cooker
Once you have determined the required water level, fill the pressure cooker accordingly. Make sure not to exceed the maximum level indicated by the manufacturer, as this can lead to unsafe cooking conditions.
It is important to note that the water should not touch the bottom of the puttu maker or the puttu may become soggy. The steam created from the water should be enough to cook the puttu evenly without making it overly moist.
By adding the right amount of water to the pressure cooker, you will be able to create the ideal cooking environment for your puttu. This will result in delicious and perfectly cooked puttu that you can enjoy with your favorite accompaniments.
Place the puttu mould inside
Once the dough is ready, take a pressure cooker and fill it with about 2 inches of water. Place a stand or a small utensil inside the pressure cooker, creating a base for the puttu mould. This will help the steam circulate evenly and cook the puttu properly.
Gently place the puttu mould on top of the stand inside the pressure cooker. Ensure that the mould is stable and upright. If needed, you can add additional support by placing a small plate or a cloth underneath the mould.
Close the pressure cooker with its lid, ensuring that it is tightly sealed. Turn on the heat and let the steam build up inside the cooker. Once you see steam escaping from the vent, reduce the heat to medium and let the puttu cook for about 8-10 minutes.
After the cooking time is complete, carefully open the pressure cooker by releasing the steam. Use oven mitts or a cloth to protect your hands from the hot steam.
Once the pressure is released, gently remove the puttu mould from the pressure cooker. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before opening the mould and transferring the puttu to a serving plate.
Steam the puttu
Once the dough has rested, it’s time to steam the puttu using a pressure cooker. Follow these steps:
- Fill the pressure cooker with water, about 2-3 inches high.
- Place the puttu maker on top of the pressure cooker, making sure it fits securely.
- Add a layer of grated coconut to the bottom of the puttu maker. This will add flavor to the puttu.
- Add a layer of the prepared puttu dough on top of the grated coconut. Fill it about halfway through.
- Add another layer of grated coconut and then top it off with another layer of puttu dough.
- Cover the puttu maker with its lid. Make sure it is tightly sealed.
- Turn on the heat and allow the pressure cooker to build up steam. Once it starts releasing steam, reduce the heat to low or medium-low.
- Steam the puttu for about 8-10 minutes or until cooked. You will see steam escaping from the top of the puttu maker.
- Turn off the heat and carefully remove the puttu maker from the pressure cooker using oven mitts or kitchen towels.
- Open the lid of the puttu maker and gently push the cooked puttu out onto a plate.
Your delicious puttu is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with some coconut milk, banana, or any side dish of your choice.
FAQ
What is puttu?
Puttu is a traditional South Indian dish made with steamed rice flour and coconut.
Can I make puttu in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make puttu in a pressure cooker. It is a quick and easy method to prepare puttu.
How do I make puttu in a pressure cooker?
To make puttu in a pressure cooker, first, add water to the bottom of the pressure cooker. Then, place a perforated plate or a steamer rack inside the pressure cooker. Next, fill a puttu maker with alternating layers of rice flour and grated coconut and attach it to the pressure cooker. Close the pressure cooker and cook for about 10 minutes or until the steam starts to escape from the vent. Once done, remove the puttu maker from the pressure cooker and gently push out the steamed puttu onto a plate. Serve hot with banana or kadala curry.