Puttu

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Puttu (Photo by Premshree Pillai/flickr)

Puttu (or Pittu) is steamed in narrow cylindrical molds with a
loose, perforated base. These are sold in shops specialising in Indian
and Sri Lankan ingredients. Improvise by using a narrow tin about 12 cm
(5 in) long and 6 cm (2 1/4 in) wide, with a press-on lid. A Dutch
cocoa can is the perfect size and shape. Cut away base of can and
invert so the lid is now the base. Drill small holes in the lid so
steam can penetrate. After steaming, remove lid and push the steamed
rice cake through the wider opening.

Ingredients

150 g/5 oz/3/4 cup roasted rice flour
150 g/5 oz/2 cups fresh grated coconut
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
about 3 tablespoons cold water

Directions

In a large bowl combine rice flour, grated coconut and salt. Add a
few drops of water at a time and lightly mix the flour and coconut
together until moistened, but under no circumstances should the mixture
be wet or lumpy. Lightly fill cylinders, not compacting the mixture.
Place on a trivet in a deep pan, cover and steam over boiling water for
15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then unmould onto a plate and cut
each cylinder in 2 or 3 pieces.

Serve puttu with coconut milk and a hot sambal or curry. Tripe Curry is
a traditional accompaniment. If preferred, serve pittu with coconut
milk and sugar or jaggery.

Note: Millet flour, sold as kurakkan flour, may be substituted for half the rice flour.

Recipe excerpted from Encyclopedia of Asian Food by Charmaine Solomon (Periplus Editions, 1998)