Start by soaking 2 cups of high-quality rice in water for at least 4 hours. The type of rice commonly used for puttu is known as "puttu podi" or "puttu rice." This soaking process ensures that the rice grains soften and become easier to grind.
After soaking, drain the water completely from the rice using a colander or strainer. Spread the soaked rice evenly on a clean cloth or paper towel to dry for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture and ensures a fluffy texture in the puttu.
Once the rice is sufficiently dry, transfer it to a mixer or grinder. Grind the rice to a fine powder. Ensure that the ground rice is smooth and free from any lumps. This finely ground rice powder forms the base of the puttu.
Grate a fresh coconut and set aside. Take around 1 cup of grated coconut and mix it with the ground rice powder. This coconut adds a rich, aromatic flavor and enhances the overall texture of the puttu.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the rice-coconut mixture. Mix it well, ensuring that the salt is evenly distributed. Slowly add water, little by little, to the mixture. Mix the ingredients using your fingers, rubbing them gently.
Fill the bottom compartment of a puttu steamer with water, about 2 inches deep. Place the cylindrical tube on top of the steamer. The tube has small holes at the bottom that allow steam to pass through, cooking puttu.
Start layering the puttu tube with alternating layers of grated coconut and the rice-coconut mixture. Begin with a layer of coconut at the bottom, followed by a layer of the rice mixture, and repeat until the tube is filled. The final layer should be grated coconut.
Place the filled puttu tube on top of the steamer, covering it with a lid. Steam the puttu on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes. The steam will cook the puttu, making it soft and fluffy. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the top layer of the puttu.
Once the puttu is cooked, carefully remove the puttu tube from the steamer using tongs or a cloth to protect your hands from the heat. Let it cool for a minute or two before gently tapping the tube on a plate to release the puttu.
Serve the soft and tasty puttu hot with a side of sweetened coconut milk, ripe bananas, or any curry of your choice. The combination of flavors and textures will make your homemade puttu an irresistible treat. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness oftest puttu ever!