Olivia Carter
Puto is a type of Filipino steamed rice cake that is traditionally cooked by steaming it over a pot of boiling water. However, some people might wonder if it’s possible to make puto using an oven instead of a steamer. The short answer is yes, you can steam puto in the oven, but it will require a slightly different method than the traditional steaming method.
If you don’t have a steamer or simply prefer to use your oven, you can achieve similar results by baking the puto in a water bath. This involves placing the puto batter in a cake pan and then setting the pan in a larger pan filled with hot water. The steam from the hot water will help cook the puto evenly, resulting in a moist and fluffy texture.
It’s important to note that while you can steam puto in the oven, the texture and flavor might be slightly different from traditionally steamed puto. However, it’s a convenient alternative if you don’t have a steamer or prefer to use your oven for cooking.
What is Puto
Puto is a traditional Filipino steamed rice cake that is often served as a snack or dessert. It is made from rice flour, sugar, and water, and is usually steamed in banana leaves or molds. The texture is soft and moist, and it can be topped with cheese or salted egg for added flavor. Puto can come in various colors such as white, purple, or yellow, and it is a popular dish during celebrations and special occasions in the Philippines.
Traditional Filipino Delicacy
Filipino cuisine is rich in flavors and diversity, with each region offering its unique set of dishes and delicacies. One of the most beloved traditional Filipino delicacies is the puto. Puto is a type of steamed rice cake that is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Puto is typically made from rice flour, sugar, and water, and is then steamed to create a soft and slightly sweet cake. It can be topped with cheese, salted eggs, or served with savory dishes like dinuguan or pancit. The combination of its soft texture and subtle sweetness makes it a favorite among Filipinos of all ages.
During special occasions and fiestas, puto is often served alongside other Filipino delicacies like bibingka, sapin-sapin, and kutsinta. Its simple yet delicious flavor makes it a staple in Filipino celebrations and gatherings.
Overall, puto is not just a delicious treat, but also a symbol of Filipino culture and tradition, showcasing the country’s love for simple yet flavorful delicacies.
How to Steam Puto
Steaming puto is a traditional Filipino method of cooking this delicious rice cake. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare your steamer by filling the bottom with water and bringing it to a boil.
- While waiting for the water to boil, grease your puto molds with a little oil or butter to prevent the rice cake from sticking.
- Pour the puto batter into the molds, filling them about two-thirds full. You can also add cheese or salted egg on top of the batter for additional flavor.
- Once the water is boiling, place the molds in the steamer and cover them with a lid.
- Steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the puto comes out clean.
- Once cooked, remove the puto from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Using a Steamer
If you have a steamer, this is the best method for steaming puto. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill the steamer with water according to its instructions and bring it to a boil.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the puto batter and pour it into small molds.
- Once the water is boiling, place the molds filled with puto batter into the steamer.
- Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the puto for about 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the puto comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the puto from the steamer and let them cool before serving.
Using a steamer ensures that the puto cooks evenly and retains its soft and fluffy texture.
Ingredients and Recipe
Here are the ingredients you will need to make steam puto:
| 1 cup rice flour |
| 1/2 cup sugar |
| 1 tablespoon baking powder |
| 1 cup water |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| Food coloring (optional) |
| Grated coconut for topping (optional) |
Here’s the recipe:
- In a bowl, mix the rice flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add water and mix until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
- If using food coloring, divide the batter into different bowls and add the food coloring to each bowl.
- Pour the batter into molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Steam the puto for about 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the puto cool before removing from the molds.
- Serve with grated coconut on top if desired.
Can You Bake Puto in the Oven
Yes, you can definitely bake puto in the oven if you don’t have a steamer. Baking puto in the oven is a convenient alternative method, and it produces similar results to steaming. Here’s a simple recipe for baking puto in the oven:
Ingredients:
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Cheese, grated (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Follow the same procedure for mixing the ingredients as you would for steaming, then pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Alternative Cooking Method
If you don’t have a steamer, you can still make puto using your oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your puto mixture as usual. Instead of pouring the mixture into a steamer, pour it into small muffin tins or silicone molds. Place the filled tins on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
Then bake the puto in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This alternative method will result in a slightly different texture compared to steamed puto, but it is a convenient option if you don’t have a steamer.
Tips for Baking Puto
When it comes to baking puto, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality rice flour: The key to making delicious puto is to use high-quality rice flour. This will ensure that your puto has a soft and fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in tough and dense puto. Mix the batter until just combined to achieve a light and airy texture.
- Steam the puto properly: Make sure to steam the puto over boiling water for the recommended time to ensure that it cooks through evenly.
- Experiment with flavors: While traditional puto is plain, you can experiment with different flavors such as ube, cheese, or pandan to create unique variations.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to bake delicious puto that will be a hit with your family and friends.
Adjusting Temperature and Time
When using the oven to steam puto, you will need to adjust the temperature and time accordingly. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before placing the puto. Keep in mind that the baking time in the oven may be slightly longer than steaming on the stovetop, so check for doneness using a toothpick after the initial cook time and adjust as needed.
Q&A
Can I use an oven to steam puto?
Yes, you can use an oven to steam puto. To do this, you will need to create a makeshift steaming environment in the oven by placing the puto batter in a heatproof dish or muffin tin and then placing that dish or tin in a larger baking pan filled with water. Cover the top of the pan with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Then, bake the puto in the oven at a low temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C), for about 20-30 minutes or until the puto is set.
What are the advantages of using an oven to steam puto?
Using an oven to steam puto has several advantages. First, it allows you to create a makeshift steaming environment without needing a traditional steamer, making it convenient if you don’t have a steamer at home. Second, it gives you more control over the steaming process, as you can regulate the temperature and cooking time more precisely in the oven. Finally, it can produce puto with a texture and consistency that is similar to traditionally steamed puto, making it a viable alternative for those who want to try making puto without a steamer.
