Origin & Significance
Puttu, a steamed rice flour and coconut dish, is a popular breakfast from Kerala. Served with Kadala Curry (black chickpeas curry), this dish is often consumed during festive times, especially during monsoons, and is a comforting, nutritious meal to start the day.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For Puttu
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Water, as needed
For Kadala Curry
- 1 cup black chickpeas (Kadala), soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- ½ cup vegetables (carrots, drumsticks, brinjal, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
📌 Step 1: Preparing the Puttu
- Mix rice flour and grated coconut, adding water gradually to form a crumbly dough.
- Steam the mixture in a Puttu maker or a steamer for about 10 minutes, until it is cooked through.
📌 Step 2: Preparing the Kadala Curry
- Pressure cook soaked chickpeas with water and salt until soft.
- In a pan, heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves, and let them splutter.
- Add onions, tomatoes, and vegetables, and sauté until tender.
- Add cooked chickpeas, tamarind pulp, garam masala, and turmeric powder. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
📌 Step 3: Serving
- Serve hot puttu with Kadala curry.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
🍚 Rice Flour
- A great source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
- Naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivity.
- Low in fat, promoting a healthy and balanced diet.
🥔 Black Chickpeas
- High in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in fiber, aiding in digestion and helping to maintain a healthy gut.
- Contains magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and maintain heart health.
🥥 Coconut
- Contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that promote fat burning.
- Boosts immune system function due to its antiviral and antifungal properties.
- Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels by providing slow-digesting energy.