A wholesome steamed delicacy made with urad dal, rice, coconut, and jaggery — simple, nutritious, and beautifully comforting.
Black Urad Dal Puttu is a classic South Indian sweet that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with roasted urad dal and rice, layered with fresh coconut, and sweetened with jaggery, this puttu carries a warm, earthy flavour and a soft, crumbly texture. It’s an easy recipe that uses just a few ingredients and offers abundant nourishment — perfect for breakfast or as a healthy evening snack.
Black urad dal is rich in protein, iron, calcium, and fibre, making this puttu naturally strengthening and energising. Jaggery provides minerals and a gentle sweetness without heaviness. Coconut adds healthy fats and flavour. Because it’s steamed, this puttu is light on the stomach yet filling — a wholesome choice for both children and adults.
Wash the urad dal and pat dry.
Roast the dried urad dal and raw rice together until aromatic and slightly golden.
Add the roasted mixture to a mixer jar. Add cardamom (optional) and a pinch of salt. Grind to a coarse powder — not too fine.
Sprinkle about ½ cup water gradually and mix. The mixture should hold shape when pressed in your palm.
In a puttu maker, layer the puttu podi and grated coconut alternately. Steam for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked.
Transfer the cooked puttu to a bowl. Add jaggery powder and mix well. Serve warm. Healthy and tasty Black Urad Dal Puttu is ready!
You can replace rice with any healthy puttu podi like: Sigappu arisi puttu podi or Karuppu kavuni puttu podi
If using jaggery, preparing a thin jaggery syrup enhances softness and flavour: Boil jaggery with little water for 5 minutes and mix with the puttu.
Sweeteners you can use: Jaggery; Palm jaggery; Nattu sarkkarai; Coconut sugar; Regular sugar
No puttu maker? Steam in an idli cooker. Or use a steamer and fill the mixture into a coconut shell for traditional-style steaming.
Serving Suggestions Serve warm with extra coconut. A spoon of warm ghee on top enhances flavour. Pair with banana slices for a traditional touch.
