Poutou - microwave/steamer recipe (puttu)

Poutou - microwave/steamer recipe (puttu)

Ingredients:
2 cups coarse rice/puttu flour
You can buy puttu flour from Indian shops
3/4 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Water as required

Preparation:
Dry roast the rice flour in a pan for 2-3 minutes. Take care not to burn the flour. If puttu flour is used, this roasting step is not necessary.
Add the grated coconut, salt and sugar to the rice or puttu flour. Mix well. Add water in little steps and mix using the fingers, until a crumbly mix is obtained. To check if the right amount of water is added, take some mixture in your hand and clasp it within the palm. If the mixture holds together, it has the right consistency. If it is still powdery and falls off, add some more water. If too watery, add some flour.
Using small cake moulds, fill with the puttu pastry using your fingers, press into the mould so that the particles are held tight together.
Invert the mould and tap slightly. The mixture should come out easily.
With care, transfer the shaped puttu into a steamer. Check at 1 minute intervals as times vary depending upon the ingredients used.
If using a microwave steamer, steam for 3 minutes. Check at 1 minute intervals as times vary depending upon the ingredients used.
If using a stove top steamer, steam for 5 minutes. Check at 1 minute intervals as times vary depending upon the ingredients used.