Puttu with Kadala Curry Recipe: A Classic South Indian Breakfast Delight
Puttu is a traditional South Indian steamed rice cake made with rice flour and coconut. It’s often served with Kadala Curry, a flavourful black chickpea curry. Here’s how to prepare this classic South Indian breakfast:
Ingredients for Puttu:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water, as needed (approximately 1 cup)
Ingredients for Kadala Curry:
For the Kadala Curry:
- 1 cup black chickpeas (kala chana), soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Making Puttu:
1. Preparing the Rice Flour Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and salt.
- Gradually add water while mixing continuously. The mixture should resemble breadcrumbs and should hold its shape when pressed together.
- Add grated coconut and mix it evenly with the rice flour mixture.
2. Assembling the Puttu:
- To make puttu, you’ll need a puttu maker or puttu kutti. In the cylindrical container of the puttu maker, alternate layers of the rice flour mixture and grated coconut.
- Start with a layer of grated coconut, followed by a layer of the rice flour mixture. Continue this layering process until the container is filled. Finish with a layer of grated coconut on top.
- Close the puttu maker with its lid.

3. Steaming the Puttu:
- In a steamer or a large vessel, add enough water to create steam.
- Place the puttu maker over the steamer or vessel, ensuring that the steam can rise through it.
- Steam the puttu for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes firm and cooked. You will notice steam escaping from the top holes of the puttu maker when it’s done.
- Carefully remove the puttu from the maker and set it aside.
Making Kadala Curry:
1. Cooking the Chickpeas:
- Drain and rinse the soaked black chickpeas.
- In a pressure cooker, add the chickpeas, water (enough to cover them), and a little salt. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the chickpeas are tender. Drain and set them aside.
2. Preparing the Kadala Curry:
- In a large pan or kadai, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Stir in the slit green chilies, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful base.
- Add the cooked black chickpeas to the pan and stir to coat them with the spice mixture.
- Simmer the kadala curry for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. If needed, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Puttu with Kadala Curry:
- Serve the steamed puttu with the hot and flavorful kadala curry.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness of the kadala curry by varying the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
- Puttu can also be served with other accompaniments like ripe bananas, grated coconut, or even sugar.
Puttu with Kadala Curry – A Classic South Indian Breakfast:
Puttu with Kadala Curry is a classic South Indian breakfast that combines the steamed rice cake-like puttu with the spicy and flavourful kadala curry. It’s a delicious and filling meal that’s loved by people of all ages. Enjoy this traditional South Indian dish as a wholesome breakfast or brunch treat!
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