Kerala Red Rice Puttu Recipe (Traditional Steamed Breakfast)

Kerala Red Rice Puttu Recipe: A Classic Steamed Breakfast

Puttu is one of Kerala’s most iconic breakfast dishes — light, fragrant, and gently steamed using rice flour and fresh coconut. Traditionally prepared in a cylindrical mould, puttu is enjoyed across South India for its soft, crumbly texture and comforting simplicity. Using red rice puttu flour adds a deeper flavour and a slightly nutty character, making this version especially loved in Kerala homes.

Kerala red rice puttu steamed with coconut using traditional puttu maker

Ingredients:

2 cups Puttu Flour
¾ to 1 cup warm water (as needed)
Salt to taste
¾ cup freshly grated coconut
Water for steaming

Instructions:

Step 1 – Prepare the flour: Place the red puttu flour in a wide bowl. Add salt and sprinkle warm water gradually, mixing with fingers until the flour becomes moist and crumbly. It should hold briefly when pressed and fall apart easily.
Step 2 – Heat the puttu maker: Add water to the base of the puttu maker and bring it to a boil. Keep the cylindrical chamber ready.
Step 3 – Layer coconut and flour: Add a spoonful of grated coconut at the bottom of the chamber, followed by a layer of prepared flour. Repeat the layers, finishing with coconut on top. Do not press the flour tightly.
Step 4 – Steam: Attach the chamber to the base and steam on medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until steam escapes strongly from the top.
Step 5 – Serve hot: Remove from heat, rest briefly, and gently push out the puttu. Serve immediately while warm.

Puttu is traditionally served with ripe banana and a sprinkle of sugar, or paired with kadala curry — a spicy black chickpea curry from Kerala. Light, filling, and naturally comforting, this dish remains a favourite breakfast across generations, especially when prepared using authentic red rice puttu flour and a traditional puttu maker.

For authentic results, we recommend using a stainless steel puttu maker designed for even steaming and perfect texture. View the product here: Stainless Steel Puttu Maker.

December 17, 2025 | View: 134 | Categories: How to, Ingredient Information