Steamed Pittu with Crab

Name: Steamed Pittu with Crab
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H55M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H5M0.000S
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups roasted urad dal flour, see Cook's Note*; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup hot water; 3/4 cup tinned crab meat, well drained; 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut, plus 1/2 cup; 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Getting reviews...

Level: Intermediate
Total: 1 hr 5 min

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 55 min

Yield: 6 servings

For a mouthwatering accompaniment to curries and stews, create these small steamed logs layered with flour, ground coconut and tender crab meat. A celebrated breakfast in South India and Sri Lanka, pittu (typically made with rice flour) adds an impressive touch to any meal.

Level: Intermediate
Total: 1 hr 5 min

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 55 min

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Deselect All

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups roasted urad dal flour, see Cook's Note*

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup hot water

3/4 cup tinned crab meat, well drained

1/2 cup grated fresh coconut, plus 1/2 cup

1/4 cup finely chopped shallots

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Special equipment:

a steamer or steamer baskets, cheesecloth or paper towel, food processor and Pittu steamer, see Cook's Note**

Line a steamer with several layers of cheesecloth and fill with the all purpose flour. Steam for 45 minutes. Spread the steamed flour on a baking sheet to cool.
Combine the steamed flour, roasted urad dal flour, and salt in a large bowl. Add the hot water, a little at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the dough resembles cornmeal (may not need all the water). Place the mixture in a food processor and pulse until it resembles couscous.
Pour into a large bowl and mix in the crab meat, 1/2 cup grated coconut, shallots and basil. Pack the Pittu steamer** with 1 tablespoon of coconut then 1/2 cup Pittu mix, repeat until the steamer is full. Steam for 5 to 7 minutes, until the steam comes out the top of the steamer. Push the Pittu out of the steamer onto a platter.