Puttu

Puttu, also known as pittu, is a cherished breakfast dish in South India, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, as well as in Sri Lanka. The term "puttu" translates to "portioned" in Malayalam. This dish is made by steaming ground rice in cylindrical molds, layered with coconut shavings. It can be enjoyed with either sweet or savory accompaniments.

Traditionally, puttu is served hot alongside a variety of side dishes such as palm sugar, bananas, curries (including dal, chickpea, mutton, fish, or chicken), ghee, and sugar. For those who prefer a more substantial meal, Paya (a type of curry) is a popular accompaniment.

The basic ingredients for puttu are simple: coarsely ground rice, grated coconut, salt, and water. Despite its simplicity, there are numerous variations. Some people use wheat flour, red rice flour, or even other grains like ragi, tapioca, and corn flour. The preparation involves gradually adding water to the ground rice to achieve the right texture, then steaming it with layers of grated coconut. Traditionally, this is done in a special vessel called a "puttu kutti" which has separate sections for water and the rice mixture.

When it comes to serving, puttu pairs wonderfully with an array of gravies and curries. Popular options include fish curry, chicken curry, chickpea curry, and even side dishes like plantains, jackfruit, or mango. In Sri Lanka, it is common to serve puttu with tripe curry, fish curry, or meat curry, accompanied by coconut milk and sambol. Some variations even include fillings like egg curry or banana, and there are versions shaped into balls known as "manipputtu."

Puttu has counterparts in other parts of the world too. For instance, kue putu in Indonesia, putu bambu in Malaysia, and puto bumbóng in the Philippines are similar dishes. Puttu garnered global attention in 2006 when a group of students in Kerala set a world record by making a 10-foot-long puttu using 20 coconuts and 26 kilograms of powdered rice. They cooked it in a specially designed 12-foot-long aluminum mold, taking about an hour and a half to complete.