Chemmeen Puttu Recipe: Spicy Prawn-Filled Kerala Rice Cakes
1 hour 15 minutes
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About Chemmeen Puttu Recipe: Spicy Prawn-Filled Kerala Rice Cakes
Experience the vibrant flavors of Kerala with this unique Chemmeen Puttu recipe! A delightful twist on the classic South Indian rice cake, this dish layers fluffy puttu with a spicy and savory prawn masala. It's a delicious fusion of textures and tastes, perfect for a memorable seafood dinner or lunch.Unlike traditional puttu which uses grated coconut between layers, this version substitutes the coconut with a richly flavored prawn filling, creating an irresistible seafood experience. The fragrant spices and succulent prawns combine beautifully with the soft, steamed rice cakes. This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the authentic tastes of Kerala cuisine.Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow yet remarkably flavorful recipe. Get ready for a culinary journey to the Malabar Coast!
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook45 minutes
Total1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Prawn Masala
- 500 gm Prawns peeled and deveined
- 1 Onion large, finely chopped
- 1 Tomato finely chopped
- 2 Chilies sliced (adjust to your spice preference), green
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
For the Puttu
- 1.5 cup Rice Flour
- 1/4 cup Coconut for layering and garnish, shredded
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- Water as needed, to form a crumbly dough
Instructions
Prepare the Prawn Masala
- Clean and devein the prawns. Set aside.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until light pink.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add green chilies, curry leaves, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté until tomatoes soften.
- Stir in turmeric powder and salt.
- Add prawns and mix well. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until prawns are cooked through.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Puttu Dough
- In a bowl, combine rice flour and salt.
- Gradually add water, mixing until a crumbly dough forms (refer to your rice flour packaging for guidance).
- Cover and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the mixture is too dry.
Assemble and Steam the Chemmeen Puttu
- Take your puttu maker (steamer). Add a layer of shredded coconut to the base.
- Add a layer of rice flour mixture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of prawn masala.
- Repeat layers of rice flour mixture and prawn masala, ending with rice flour and a final layer of shredded coconut.
- Steam for 15-20 minutes on medium-high heat, until cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chemmeen Puttu
- For a richer flavor, use fresh, high-quality prawns. Marinate them briefly in a little lime juice before adding to the masala.
- Don't overcook the prawns, or they will become tough. Cook just until they are opaque and pink.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of red chili powder for extra heat.
- If you don't have a traditional puttu maker, you can layer the ingredients in a greased oven-safe dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 238kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 2280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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This looks so appealing! Thanks for sharing.
Such a perfect dish! Thank you.
What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.
This is so inspiring! Can’t wait to cook it.