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BreakfastMain Course

Vegan Pittu with Coconut

Pittu is a traditional Sri Lankan and South Indian breakfast, featuring steamed cylinders of ground rice flour layered with fresh coconut. This vegan version is simple to prepare and offers a delightful start to the day.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
35 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
300 kcal
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VeganVegetarianGluten-free
Vegan Pittu with Coconut

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 250 grice flour
  • 120 mlwater, warm
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 1 cupfresh coconut, grated

Equipment

puttu maker · steamer · mixing bowl

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Combine the rice flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the salt is well distributed throughout the flour.

  2. 2

    Gradually add the warm water to the flour mixture, mixing with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Do not add all the water at once; you might need slightly more or less depending on your flour.

  3. 3

    Rub the mixture between your palms to break up any lumps and ensure a uniform texture.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: The texture should be loose and crumbly, not a dough.

  4. 4

    Set up your puttu maker according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the water reservoir is filled.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: If you don't have a puttu maker, a steamer basket lined with a cloth can work, but the shape will be different.

  5. 5

    Place a layer of grated fresh coconut at the bottom of the puttu cylindrical mold.

  6. 6

    Follow with a layer of the prepared rice flour mixture, then alternate with more coconut and rice flour until the mold is full, ending with a layer of coconut.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Do not press the layers down too firmly, as this can make the puttu dense.

  7. 7

    Place the filled puttu mold onto the steamer base and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until steam emerges from the top of the mold and the puttu is cooked through.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: The puttu should smell fragrant and the rice flour will appear slightly translucent when cooked.

  8. 8

    Carefully remove the puttu from the mold using the plunger or a spoon.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Be cautious as the puttu will be hot.

  9. 9

    Repeat the process for the remaining rice flour mixture and serve the puttu hot.

    About 8 min

    Cook’s note: Pittu is traditionally served with curries, sambals, or ripe bananas and jaggery.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
299.6kcal
Protein
4.4g
Carbs
53g
Fat
7.5g
Fibre
3.3g
Sugar
1.3g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover puttu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave until warmed through.

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