Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Rice

   Take 500g of raw rice in a bowl. Wash the rice 3 to 4 times until the water runs clear. Add fresh water to cover the washed rice and soak it for 3 to 4 hours.

2. 2.Drain and Dry the Rice

   After soaking, drain the water completely from the rice using a colander. Let the rice drain for about 1 hour, or until it is damp to touch but not wet or too dry.

3. 3.Grind the Rice into Flour

   Transfer the damp rice into a grinder jar in batches. Grind the rice in short pulses until it reaches a fine to medium-coarse texture. It should feel slightly grainy when rubbed, not powdery.

4. 4.Sieve the Flour

   Pour the ground rice into a medium mesh sieve. Sieve gently without pressing to maintain the rava-like texture. Collect the fine flour. Transfer any large particles left in the sieve back to the grinder and re-grind them. Sieve the re-ground flour back into the main batch of sifted flour.

5. 5.Dry Roast the Flour

   Heat a heavy-bottom pan over medium-low heat. Add the prepared rice flour to the pan. Stir continuously using a flat spatula for about 10-15 minutes. Roast very lightly until the raw rice smell is eliminated and excess moisture is reduced, ensuring no color change. Immediately transfer the roasted flour to a wide tray to cool down completely.

6. 6.Store the Puttu Flour

   Once cooled, sift the homemade puttu flour one more time before storing it in an airtight container. The flour should fall freely when poured and not clump.

7. 7.Prepare Puttu Mixture

   In a mixing bowl, take 2 cups of the homemade puttu flour. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and mix well with your hands. Gradually sprinkle about 1 cup of water, little by little, over the flour. Mix gently with your fingers, ensuring not to pour water directly. Continue mixing until the flour reaches a crumbly, moist sand-like texture. If squeezed, it should hold its shape, and when released, it should crumble easily.

8. 8.Add Coconut

   Add 1/2 cup of fresh grated coconut to the puttu mixture. Gently mix it into the flour using your hands.

9. 9.Fill the Puttu Maker

   Place the perforated disc at the bottom of the puttu cylinder. Add 1-2 tablespoons of grated coconut at the bottom. Then, loosely fill the cylinder with the prepared puttu flour mixture (do not press). Add another layer of grated coconut on top. Close the lid tightly. Repeat the process if using a cup puttu maker.

10. 10.Steam Cook the Puttu

    Place the puttu cylinder onto a steamer (or pressure cooker without the whistle). Steam cook for about 3 minutes on medium-high heat. The puttu is cooked when steam escapes strongly from the top holes and a cooked rice aroma is released.

11. 11.Serve

    Carefully remove the puttu maker from the steamer. Gently push the puttu out onto a banana leaf or serving plate. Serve hot with coconut milk, sugar, or a curry of your choice.