Kavuni Arisi Puttu
A traditional Chettinad delicacy made from fragrant black rice, jaggery, and fresh coconut. This steamed sweet pudding has a unique chewy texture and nutty flavor, perfect for festivals and special occasions. The 8-hour soaking time is crucial for the perfect texture.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Rice (8 Hours)
- b.Rinse the black rice under cold running water 3-4 times until the water runs clearer.
- c.Place the rinsed rice in a large bowl and cover with at least 4 cups of water.
- d.Let it soak for a minimum of 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is critical for a soft, well-cooked puttu and cannot be skipped.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grind the Soaked Rice (5 Minutes)
- b.After soaking, drain all the water from the rice completely using a colander.
- c.Transfer the drained rice to a high-speed blender or mixie jar.
- d.Pulse the rice without adding any water to get a coarse, grainy texture similar to fine semolina (rava) or sand. Avoid grinding it into a fine paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Puttu Mixture (5 Minutes)
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the ground black rice, jaggery powder, freshly grated coconut, green cardamom powder, and salt.
- c.Use your fingertips to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly and moist.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Steam the Puttu (20 Minutes)
- b.Prepare a steamer by adding water to the base and bringing it to a boil. You can use an idli stand, a traditional puttu maker, or a regular steamer basket.
- c.Lightly grease the idli plates or steamer tray with a little ghee.
- d.Spoon the puttu mixture loosely onto the greased plates. Do not press or pack it down, as this will make the puttu dense.
- e.Place the stand inside the steamer, cover with a lid, and steam on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
- f.The puttu is cooked when it holds its shape and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve (5 Minutes)
- b.Carefully remove the steamed puttu from the steamer and transfer it to a serving bowl.
- c.While it's still hot, drizzle the remaining ghee over it.
- d.Gently fluff the puttu with a fork to separate the grains.
- e.Serve warm as a delightful breakfast, snack, or dessert.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The 8-hour soaking time is non-negotiable for achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture.
- 2Ensure the ground rice is coarse. A fine paste will result in a dense and sticky puttu.
- 3Use freshly grated coconut for the best flavor and moisture. Frozen or desiccated coconut can be used but may alter the texture.
- 4For a more traditional and earthy flavor, substitute regular jaggery with palm jaggery (karupatti).
- 5Do not pack the mixture into the steamer. Keeping it loose allows steam to circulate and cook the puttu evenly.
- 6For a richer version, garnish with cashews and raisins lightly fried in ghee before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Enhancement
Add a pinch of edible camphor (pachai karpooram) or a pinch of dry ginger powder (sukku podi) along with the cardamom for a more complex aroma and flavor.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil.
Nutty AdditionNutty Addition
Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped almonds or cashews into the puttu mixture before steaming for added crunch and nutrition.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Black rice is packed with anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and blackberries. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
High in Dietary Fiber
Both black rice and coconut are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied for longer.
Provides Natural Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the rice provide a steady release of energy, while the iron from jaggery helps combat fatigue, making this a nourishing snack.
Frequently asked questions
It is a relatively healthier dessert compared to those made with refined flour and sugar. Black rice is rich in antioxidants and fiber, and jaggery is an unrefined sweetener containing minerals. However, it is calorie-dense, so moderation is key.