Putu Bambu: A Delightful Traditional Indonesian Treat
Putu bambu is a traditional Indonesian snack made from grated coconut and rice flour, steamed in bamboo tubes. It's a popular street food, often found at markets and food stalls across Indonesia, particularly in Java.
The unique flavor and texture of putu bambu come from the combination of ingredients and the steaming process. The bamboo tubes impart a subtle smoky aroma, adding a layer of complexity to the sweet and savory taste.
Here's a recipe for putu bambu:
Ingredients:
For the Putu:
- 200 grams grated coconut
- 150 grams glutinous rice flour
- 50 grams tapioca flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 ml water
For the Glaze:
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 50 ml water
- 1/2 teaspoon pandan extract (optional)
Other:
- Bamboo tubes (approx. 15 cm long)
- Coconut milk (for greasing)
Instructions:
Prepare the Putu:
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine grated coconut, glutinous rice flour, tapioca flour, and salt in a bowl.
- Add water: Gradually add water, mixing well until a soft dough forms.
- Grease bamboo tubes: Lightly grease the inside of the bamboo tubes with coconut milk.
- Fill tubes: Fill each tube with the putu dough, leaving some space at the top.
- Steam: Steam the filled bamboo tubes for 15-20 minutes, or until the putu is cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Combine sugar and water: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water.
- Boil until thick: Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
- Add pandan extract: If using, stir in pandan extract.
Assemble and Serve:
- Remove from bamboo: Carefully remove the putu from the bamboo tubes.
- Drizzle glaze: Drizzle the putu with the sugar glaze while still warm.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the putu bambu warm and fresh!
Tips:
- You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less sugar.
- If you don't have pandan extract, you can use vanilla extract instead.
- The bamboo tubes can be reused after cleaning and drying thoroughly.
- If you're not using bamboo tubes, you can steam the putu in a steamer basket.
Putu bambu is a simple yet satisfying snack that's perfect for a quick treat or a special occasion. Its unique flavor and texture will surely delight your taste buds.
