Paneer Masala Puttu: Spiced Indian Cottage Cheese Steamed Cake
45 minutes
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About Paneer Masala Puttu: Spiced Indian Cottage Cheese Steamed Cake
Elevate your breakfast or enjoy a unique savory snack with this Paneer Masala Puttu recipe! A delicious fusion of traditional Kerala Puttu and flavorful Indian paneer, this recipe is easy to make and surprisingly satisfying. It's a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for a quick meal or a special occasion.
This recipe uses a simple yet aromatic spice blend to create a creamy paneer filling that complements the soft, steamed rice flour cake. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible, offering a unique culinary experience that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. Get ready to experience the delightful fusion of South Indian and North Indian flavors in every bite!
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Paneer Masala Filling:
- 200 gm Cottage Cheese cubed, paneer
- 1 Onion finely sliced
- 2 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 Tomato finely chopped or pureed
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds jeera
- 1 tsp Chili Powder mirch
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder dhania
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 0.33 tsp Salt or to taste
- 2 tbsp Oil vegetable or coconut oil
- 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves chopped, dhania, for garnish, fresh
- 1 tbsp Butter optional, for garnish
For the Puttu:
- 1 cup Rice Flour use a good quality, preferably fine-grained rice flour. 'chemba puttu podi' (red rice flour) is ideal for a traditional taste and color.
- 1 cup Water approximately. add gradually until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- 1 cup Coconut freshly grated is best, shredded
- 1 ltr Water for steaming in the cooker
Instructions
Prepare the Rice Flour Mixture
- Combine rice flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Gradually add water, mixing with your fingertips until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. The consistency should be like damp sand.
Test the Dough
- Gently press a small amount of the mixture in your fist. It should form a soft ball that crumbles easily. If it's too dry, add more water; if too wet, add more flour.
Make the Paneer Masala Filling
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add ginger-garlic paste and saute until fragrant. Add onions and saute until softened and lightly browned.
- Add chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Saute briefly until fragrant. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until softened and the oil starts to separate. Season with salt.
- Add paneer cubes and mix well. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the paneer is tender. Stir in chopped coriander and butter (if using).
Assemble and Steam the Puttu
- Fill the puttu maker's cylinder with layers of the rice flour mixture and the paneer masala filling, starting and ending with a layer of coconut. Make sure there is some coconut in the bottom of the container.
- Place the puttu maker in a steamer or on top of a pressure cooker with about 1 liter of water. Steam over high heat for approximately 10 minutes.
Check for Doneness
- You'll see steam escaping after about 3 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the puttu maker and use a thin rod or skewer to gently push out the puttu.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Paneer Masala Puttu
- For extra flavor, marinate the paneer in a little yogurt and spices before adding it to the filling.
- If you don't have a puttu maker, you can steam the puttu in a regular steamer basket or even a colander placed inside a pot of boiling water.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of water to make the rice flour mixture.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 147kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 8gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 190mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
3 Comments
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Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Looks so delicious! Thanks for the recipe.