How to Make Putu Piring Sg (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Putu Piring Sg is a delightful steamed rice cake dessert, traditionally filled with jaggery (gur) and freshly grated coconut. Though its name is popular in Singapore, this Indian adaptation draws inspiration from South Indian idli and traditional steamed sweets like modak. The soft, spongy texture and the aromatic filling of palm jaggery make it a perfect energy-boosting treat, especially during lunch hours or festive occasions. In India, similar steamed delicacies are often made during Ganesh Chaturthi and festivals that celebrate the monsoon, thanks to their lightness and digestibility. This healthier version uses idli rava (ground rice) instead of maida (refined flour), making it a high-fiber, gluten-free option suitable for calorie-conscious eaters. The blend of coconut and jaggery brings a natural sweetness and a rich, earthy flavor, while also providing a dose of essential nutrients. This Putu Piring Sg recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a wholesome, vegetarian Indian lunch that is easy on the stomach and bursting with traditional taste. Share this healthy treat with family during festivals or enjoy it as a nutritious lunchbox surprise!
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Soak idli rava in water for 10 minutes
Soak idli rava in water for 10 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
Step 2 · Mix grated coconut with jaggery and cardamom powder in a bowl to ma...
Mix grated coconut with jaggery and cardamom powder in a bowl to make the filling.
Step 3 · Grease your idli moulds or line with banana leaf circles
Grease your idli moulds or line with banana leaf circles.
Step 4 · For each cake
For each cake, press a thin layer of soaked idli rava at the base, add 1 spoonful of coconut-jaggery filling in the center, and cover with another layer of rava.
Step 5 · Steam the cakes in an idli steamer or large kadhai with lid for 10-...
Steam the cakes in an idli steamer or large kadhai with lid for 10-12 minutes on medium flame.
Step 6 · Remove from heat
Remove from heat, cool slightly, and gently unmould. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds if desired.
Why this recipe is healthy
This healthy Putu Piring Sg recipe is steamed, not fried, reducing calorie and fat content. Replacing refined sugar with jaggery and using whole rice rava increases dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The absence of processed ingredients makes this dish suitable for weight management and fits well within vegetarian and vegan diets. Its low glycemic index ensures sustained energy, making it a smart choice for those tracking calories or blood sugar.
A note on tradition
Steamed rice cakes like Putu Piring Sg have roots across India’s southern and coastal regions, closely resembling modak in Maharashtra and idli in Tamil Nadu. Such dishes are popular during Ganesh Chaturthi and monsoon festivals, where light, steamed foods support digestion. Traditionally, banana leaves are used for lining, adding a unique aroma and celebrating regional culinary heritage. These treats are often prepared in family gatherings and temple offerings.