Vegan Puttu
Puttu is a traditional South Indian and Sri Lankan breakfast dish of steamed rice flour and coconut. It's often served with sweet or savory accompaniments, making it a versatile and satisfying meal. This recipe provides a simple, vegan version.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 35 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 575 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 1.5 cuprice flour
- 1 cupgrated coconut
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.5 cupwater
Equipment
pot · puttu maker · steamer · fine-mesh sieve · large bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Combine the rice flour and salt in a large bowl.
About 1 min
- 2
Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, to the flour mixture. Mix with your fingertips, rubbing the flour to form a crumbly, coarse texture that resembles wet sand.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: The consistency is crucial; the mixture should hold its shape when pressed but easily crumble apart. Avoid adding too much water, which will make the puttu dense.
- 3
Pass the moistened rice flour through a fine-mesh sieve or a puttu maker screen to break up any lumps and ensure an even, fluffy texture.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: This step is important for achieving the characteristic light and airy texture of puttu.
- 4
Prepare your puttu maker or steamer. If using a traditional puttu maker, place the perforated disc at the bottom.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can also use an idli steamer or even a regular steamer with a small bowl inside, ensuring steam can circulate.
- 5
Layer the puttu maker with a spoonful of grated coconut, followed by a layer of the rice flour mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of grated coconut on top.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Do not press down the layers; keep them loose to allow steam to penetrate evenly.
- 6
Place the puttu maker over a pot of boiling water, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the puttu cylinder.
About 1 min
- 7
Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until steam emerges continuously from the top of the puttu maker and the puttu is firm when gently pressed.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: The aroma of cooked rice flour and coconut is a good indicator that it's ready.
- 8
Carefully remove the puttu from the steamer using the provided stick or by gently inverting it onto a plate.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful as it will be very hot.
- 9
Serve immediately with your choice of accompaniments, such as banana, palm sugar, or chana masala.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 575.3kcal
- Protein
- 8.4g
- Carbs
- 100.8g
- Fat
- 14.9g
- Fibre
- 6.4g
- Sugar
- 2.5g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store any leftover puttu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Goan Fish Curry
This vibrant Goan fish curry features firm white fish simmered in a rich, tangy coconut-based gravy. A blend of aromatic spices and a touch of kokum creates a truly authentic flavor profile. Serve with steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
50 min 459 kcaldessert
Silver Nut Cake
A rich and substantial loaf cake, packed with pecans, golden raisins, pineapple, and cherries. This dense, moist cake is reminiscent of a classic fruitcake and is perfect for holidays or as a special afternoon treat.
3 hr 45 min 475 kcalbreakfast
Traditional Turkish Breakfast Plate
Experience the rich culinary heritage of Turkey with this vibrant breakfast plate, a delightful mosaic of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Featuring perfectly boiled eggs, tangy feta, briny olives, crisp vegetables, and a touch of sweet honey with walnuts, it offers a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. This traditional spread is designed to be savored slowly, providing a nourishing and flavorful start to your day.
25 min 675 kcalappetizer
Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip)
This vibrant Tirokafteri is a fiery Greek feta dip, boasting a creamy texture with a zesty kick from red wine vinegar and a delightful heat from serrano and roasted red peppers. It's an effortlessly elegant appetizer, perfect for sharing, that comes together quickly to deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors.
40 min 291 kcalappetizer
Camembert Rôti with Honey and Thyme
This simple yet elegant appetizer features a whole wheel of Camembert cheese baked until wonderfully gooey and warm. Drizzled with honey and fresh thyme, it's perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
20 min 355 kcalbreakfast
Misal Pav
Experience the vibrant flavors of Maharashtra with this authentic Misal Pav. A spicy, aromatic sprouted moth bean curry (usal) is bathed in a rich, thin gravy (rassa), then crowned with crunchy farsan, fresh onion, and a squeeze of lemon. Served with soft pav bread, this dish is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying meal.
1 hr 25 mindinner
Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives
This aromatic Moroccan tagine features tender chicken braised with a rich blend of spices, tangy preserved lemons, and briny olives. It's a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that's perfect for a special dinner or meal prepping.
1 hr 20 min 549 kcal