Kerala Puttu Kadala is a beloved breakfast dish from the southern Indian state of Kerala. Puttu, which means "to steam" in Malayalam, is a unique steamed rice cake layered with freshly grated coconut. It's typically served with Kadala curry, a spicy and flavorful dish made from black chickpeas. This combination not only delights the palate but also offers a balanced meal rich in nutrients.
Puttu has ancient roots in Kerala and is often associated with the state's traditional breakfast culture. It is believed to have been influenced by the culinary practices of the region, where rice is a staple. The dish has evolved over the years, maintaining its popularity due to its simplicity and the versatility of ingredients. Kadala curry complements the Puttu perfectly, making it a complete meal enjoyed by families across Kerala and beyond.
Ingredients:
For Puttu:
- 2 cups Puttu flour (ground rice flour)
- 1 cup grated coconut
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
For Kadala Curry:
- 1 cup black chickpeas (kadala)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- ½ tablespoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Curry leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Rinse and soak the black chickpeas overnight. Drain, add to a pressure cooker with water and salt, and cook until soft. Set aside.
2. Make Puttu Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Puttu flour, grated coconut, and salt. Gradually add water to create a moist, crumbly texture resembling breadcrumbs.
3. Steam the Puttu:
- Fill a Puttu maker or steamer with the mixture, layering it with grated coconut. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until fluffy. Carefully remove and set aside.
4. Prepare Kadala Curry:
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste until onions are translucent.
- Add tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are mushy.
- Stir in the cooked chickpeas and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the curry thickens.
5. Serve:
- On a plate, layer the Puttu and Kadala curry. Garnish with curry leaves.
Notes:
- Canned chickpeas can be used for convenience.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Add vegetables like potatoes or carrots for extra nutrition.
Nutrition Value:
1. Puttu flour (2 cups)
- Calories: 760
- Carbohydrates: 168 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: iron, magnesium, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Provides energy and essential minerals.
2. Grated coconut (1 cup)
- Calories: 283
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Protein: 2.7 grams
- Fat: 27 grams
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E
- Minerals: potassium, magnesium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Adds healthy fats and fiber.
3. Salt (to taste)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: varies by use
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: none
- Minerals: sodium
- Nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor and maintains fluid balance.
4. Water (as needed)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: none
- Minerals: none
- Nutritional benefit: Essential for hydration.
5. Black chickpeas (1 cup)
- Calories: 728
- Carbohydrates: 130 grams
- Protein: 48 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Sodium: 24 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins, especially folate
- Minerals: iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in protein and fiber, supporting digestive health.
6. Onions (2 medium-sized)
- Calories: 96
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 6 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: vitamin C, B vitamins
- Minerals: potassium, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.
7. Tomatoes (2 medium-sized)
- Calories: 44
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin K
- Minerals: potassium, folate
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
8. Green chilies (2)
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0.4 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin A
- Minerals: potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Provides vitamin C and antioxidants.
9. Ginger-garlic paste (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 28
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: small amounts of B vitamins, vitamin C
- Minerals: manganese, magnesium, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
10. Red chili powder (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 17
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 1 gram
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin C
- Minerals: potassium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in vitamins A and C.
11. Coriander powder (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 23
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: small amounts of vitamin C, B vitamins
- Minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Aids in digestion and adds flavor.
12. Turmeric powder (½ tablespoon)
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: iron, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Contains curcumin, an antioxidant.
13. Salt (to taste)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: varies by use
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: none
- Minerals: sodium
- Nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor when used in moderation.
14. Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: vitamin E
- Minerals: none
- Nutritional benefit: Provides healthy fats for nutrient absorption.
15. Curry leaves (for garnish)
- Calories: negligible
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: negligible
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin C
- Minerals: calcium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
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