Puto is a popular Filipino steamed rice cake made from rice flour and coconut milk. It is commonly served as a snack or dessert and is loved for its fluffy texture and sweet taste. One serving (30 g) of Puto contains 100 calories.

Aside from being delicious, Puto is also a good source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients. It is gluten-free and is suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

In this article, we'll explore how Puto is made, its varieties, nutritional benefits, serving suggestions, popular recipes, and more.

What is Puto?

Puto is a steamed rice cake that originated in the Philippines. It is made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and baking powder. The mixture is then poured into small moulds and steamed until cooked. Puto is typically white or yellow in color and has a soft, fluffy texture. It is commonly served with grated coconut or eaten plain with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Puto is a staple and popular dish in Filipino cuisine and is enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

How is Puto Made?

To make Puto, you will need rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, baking powder, and water. Mix the rice flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl. Add the coconut milk and water to the mixture and stir until the batter is smooth. Grease the moulds with oil or butter and pour the batter into them until they are about 3/4 full. Steam the Puto for 10-15 minutes until cooked. Insert a toothpick in the center of the Puto to check if it's done. The toothpick should come out clean. Remove the Puto from the moulds and serve with grated coconut, cheese, or your favorite toppings.

What are the Varieties of Puto?

Puto comes in various flavors and colors, depending on the region in the Philippines. Some of the popular varieties include White Puto, Kutchinta, Puto Seko, Puto Bumbong, and Puto Maya. White Puto is the classic version and is typically served with grated coconut or sweetened with sugar. Kutchinta is a brown-colored Puto that is made with brown sugar and lye water. Puto Seko is a plain, crispy Puto that is usually paired with a hot beverage. Puto Bumbong is a purple-colored Puto that is made from glutinous rice and cooked in bamboo tubes. It is traditionally served during Christmas season. Puto Maya is a sticky, sweet Puto that is sometimes flavored with coconut cream.

Is Puto Healthy?

Puto is a good source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients, such as vitamin B and iron. It is also gluten-free and is suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, Puto is also high in calories and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and diabetes if consumed in excess. It is best eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Eating Puto?

One serving (30 g) of Puto contains 100 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, and 2 grams of fat. It is also a good source of vitamin B and iron. Puto made with glutinous rice flour is higher in calories and carbohydrates than those made with regular rice flour. Adding coconut cream or grated coconut to Puto can also increase its calorie and fat content.

How to Serve and Eat Puto?

Puto is typically served as a snack or dessert. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Filipino delicacies, such as Suman, Bibingka, or Tsokolate. Puto is also a perfect accompaniment to savory dishes, such as Adobo, Kare-Kare, or Sinigang. It can be steamed or fried and served with a dipping sauce. To eat Puto, simply pick it up with your fingers or use a fork. Dip it in grated coconut or your favorite sauce and enjoy!

What are Some Popular Puto Recipes?

Puto is a versatile dish that can be flavored and colored in different ways. Here are some popular Puto recipes that you can try at home: - Cheese Puto: Add grated cheese to the Puto batter for a savory twist. - Ube Puto: Use ube (purple yam) powder to color and flavor the Puto batter.

Where to Buy Puto?

Puto can be found in Filipino markets, bakeries, and restaurants. It is also widely available online, where you can order pre-made Puto or Puto mixes. If you want to make your own Puto at home, you can buy rice flour, coconut milk, and other ingredients from your local grocery store.

How to Store Puto?

Puto can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month. Before storing Puto, make sure it has completely cooled down to prevent condensation and mold growth.

How to Make Puto Last Longer?

To make Puto last longer, you can add preservatives such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium propionate, or calcium propionate. However, this is not recommended as it can affect the taste and healthiness of Puto. A better way to make Puto last longer is to store it properly and consume it within a reasonable time frame. You can also freeze Puto and thaw it whenever you want to eat it.