A Comparative Journey: Puto and Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes

The culinary world is rich with diverse and unique dishes from different cultures. Among these is a particular dish that has some intriguing similarities and differences – puttu from Kerala, India, and its Filipino counterpart. While Wikipedia suggests a possible link between the two, the reality is a bit more nuanced. In this article, we explore the history, preparation, and unique characteristics of these steamed rice cakes.

Introduction to Puto and Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes

Puttu is a popular breakfast food in Kerala, a state in southern India. Traditionally, it is made by steaming rice flour and split green gram flour in a bamboo cylinder. The dish is often served with coconut chutney, ghee, and sometimes, a sweet concoction made from milk and cardamom.

Turning our focus to the Philippines, the steamed rice cakes here are often referred to as steamed rice cakes. These dishes bear a resemblance to puttu but differ significantly in taste, texture, and preparation. Much like puttu, these cakes are also steamed, but the ingredients and the process may vary.

The Cultural Connection and Origins

Wikipedia, as well as other sources, suggest that the Filipino steamed rice cakes might have been inspired by or influenced by the Indian dish, puttu. However, the culinary history associated with both dishes indicates a fascinating blend of cultural exchange and local adaptation.

Historical Context

The ancient spice trade route, known as the Silk Road, played a significant role in the spread of culinary practices and ingredients across different countries, including India and the Philippines. It's plausible that during the colonial era, when Spanish rule extended to the Philippines, some culinary influences, including rice preparation methods, traveled from South Asia to Southeast Asia.

However, the Filipinos’ affection for rice and their adaptation of various cooking techniques have led to the creation of unique dishes. While puttu’s traditional method involves steaming rice and beans inside a bamboo tube, Filipino steamed rice cakes are often made by mixing glutinous rice flour, water, and sometimes potatoes, and then steaming the mixture in a metallic vessel.

The Preparation and Details

Preparing Puto: Making puttu involves first soaking rice and split green gram for several hours. The rice and gram are then dried, ground into a coarse flour, and mixed with a powder made from water and rice. The mixture is then steamed in a bamboo can, which is both a challenge and an art form.

The cultural significance of this process lies in the tradition and care that goes into preparing it. Families and communities come together to create a communal meal, enhancing the communal aspect of the dish.

Preparation of Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes: These rice cakes can be made by mixing glutinous rice flour with water and shaping it into small balls or individual pieces before steaming them. The steaming process occurs in a metallic steamer, sometimes enhanced with flavors from other local ingredients like coconut milk.

Comparison and Unique Features

Taste and Texture: Both dishes have a distinctive texture – soft and fluffy due to the steaming process. However, taste differences arise from the unique ingredients and methods of preparation. Puto has a slightly savory and nutty taste due to the rice and split green gram, complemented by sweet flavors in variations. On the other hand, Filipino steamed rice cakes tend to be sweeter, with a flavor profile that may include a touch of coconut or other tropical fruits.

Had I encountered the dish: When I had the privilege of working with Filipinos, we often shared dishes from our respective cuisines. The dish, though not precisely puttu, offered a pleasant surprise and a taste of home, so to speak. It was a delightful blend of flavors and a testament to the culinary ingenuity of both regions.

Conclusion

While the Filipino steamed rice cakes share a kinship with the traditional Indian puttu, they are distinct in their own right. Both dishes represent the beauty of cultural exchange and adaptation in the culinary world. These steamed rice cakes not only offer a taste explosion but also tell a story of intercultural influence and local innovation.

As food enthusiasts, it is both exciting and humbling to explore such culinary connections. This journey through the preparation, history, and cultural significance of these steamed rice cakes provides a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of global cuisine.