Kambu Puttu

Method

1. 1

   Make kambu puttu mixture: Take 2 cups kambu (pearl millet) flour. Add salt and sprinkle water gradually while rubbing with fingers until the mixture is moist and crumbly.

2. 2

   Test moisture: The mixture should hold shape when pressed and crumble when dropped.

3. 3

   Prepare fresh coconut: Have half cup freshly grated coconut ready for layering.

4. 4

   Fill puttu maker: Place disc at the bottom. Add a layer of grated coconut then kambu flour. Repeat ending with coconut.

5. 5

   Prepare steamer: Fill base vessel with water and bring to a strong rolling boil.

6. 6

   Attach and steam: Attach filled cylinder to the base. Steam 6-8 minutes.

7. 7

   Check: Steam should flow freely from the top holes.

8. 8

   Push out: Use the wooden pusher to push kambu puttu onto a plate.

9. 9

   Check texture: Kambu puttu is greyish-brown and crumbly with an earthy pearl millet flavour.

10. 10

    Serve: Serve immediately with kadala curry, sweetened coconut milk or ripe banana.