Oats Puttu
A wholesome twist on the classic Kerala breakfast. Steamed cylinders of ground oats and fresh coconut create a light, fluffy texture. Perfect with kadala curry or a simple banana for a nutritious start to your day.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Oats Flour
- b.In a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, dry roast the rolled oats for 3-4 minutes until they release a nutty aroma. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- c.Remove from heat and let the oats cool down completely. This step is crucial to prevent a sticky texture.
- d.Once cooled, transfer the oats to a blender or spice grinder. Pulse a few times until you achieve a coarse, semolina-like (rava) texture. Avoid grinding it into a fine powder.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Puttu Mixture
- b.Transfer the ground oats to a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and optional cumin seeds, and mix well with your fingers.
- c.Sprinkle water, one tablespoon at a time, over the oats flour. Use your fingertips to gently mix and break down any lumps. The goal is a moist, crumbly mixture resembling wet sand.
- d.To test for the correct consistency, take a small portion of the mixture in your palm and press it gently. It should hold its shape. When you press it further, it should crumble easily. If it's too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet and pasty, add a tablespoon of the ground oats flour.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb the moisture evenly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Puttu Steamer
- b.Fill the base of the puttu steamer (puttu kudam) with 2-3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- c.Place the perforated disc at the bottom of the cylindrical steamer tube (puttu kutti).
- d.Start by adding a 1-inch layer (about 2 tablespoons) of grated coconut at the bottom.
- e.Gently spoon in about 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared oats mixture over the coconut. Do not press or pack it down.
- f.Alternate with another layer of coconut and then the oats mixture. Repeat until the cylinder is filled, finishing with a final layer of coconut on top.
- g.Close the lid of the puttu kutti.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Steam the Puttu
- b.Once the water in the base is boiling and steaming, carefully place the filled cylinder on top of it.
- c.Steam on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes.
- d.The puttu is perfectly cooked when a steady stream of steam escapes from the holes on the lid of the cylinder.
- e.Turn off the heat. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes before removing the cylinder from the base to avoid burns.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Carefully open the lid. Using the back of a long spoon or a wooden skewer, gently push the steamed puttu from the bottom onto a serving plate.
- c.Serve immediately while hot with traditional accompaniments like kadala curry (black chickpea curry), banana, papadum, or a sprinkle of sugar.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to soft, non-sticky puttu is roasting the oats properly and achieving the correct crumbly texture with water.
- 2Never pack the mixture into the steamer. Keep it loose to allow steam to pass through and cook it evenly.
- 3If you don't have a puttu steamer, you can steam the mixture in an idli stand or even in a traditional coconut shell (chiratta) placed over a pressure cooker nozzle.
- 4Letting the mixture rest for 10 minutes after adding water is essential for the oats to hydrate properly.
- 5For a richer flavor, mix a pinch of cardamom powder with the grated coconut before layering.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweet Version
Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of powdered jaggery or brown sugar with the oats mixture for a sweet puttu. Serve with ghee.
Savory Vegetable PuttuSavory Vegetable Puttu
Add 1/4 cup of finely grated carrots or beets to the oats mixture for added nutrition and color.
Multi Grain PuttuMulti-Grain Puttu
Replace half of the oats with ragi (finger millet) flour or semolina (rava) for a different texture and nutritional profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Heart Healthy
The beta-glucan fiber in oats has been shown to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Provides Sustained Energy
As a complex carbohydrate, oats provide a slow and steady release of energy, keeping you energized throughout the morning and preventing blood sugar spikes.
Source of Healthy Fats
The fresh coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that is easily digested and used for energy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Oats Puttu is a very healthy breakfast option. Oats are rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves nutrients. It's a balanced meal when paired with a protein source like kadala curry.