Steamed pittu with crab meat

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup canned crab meat (drained well)
• 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut plus 1/2 cup
• 1/2 cup wheat flour
• 1.5 cups baked urad dal flour (see Cooking Tip*)
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• Additional equipment: Steamer or steamer basket, cheesecloth or paper towel, food processor and pittu steamer (see cooking tip**)

Preparation:

1. Line a steamer with several layers of cheesecloth and add flour. Steam for 45 minutes. Transfer the cooked flour to a baking sheet to cool.
   
   Combine the cooked flour, baked urad dal flour, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the hot water, stirring with a wooden spoon, until a porridge-like dough forms (you may not need all the water). Place the mixture in a food processor and pulse until it forms a couscous-like consistency.
2. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and toss with the crab meat, 1/2 cup grated coconut, shallots, and basil. Place 1 tablespoon coconut in a pitta steamer, then 1/2 cup pitta mixture, and repeat the layers until the steamer is full. Steam for 5-7 minutes, until steam begins to emerge from the top of the steamer. Remove the pitta from the steamer onto a serving platter.
   
   *Cooking tip: Urad dal flour is ground white chickpea flour. It can be purchased at Indian grocery stores.
   
   **Cooking tip: You can find a pitta steamer at Asian specialty stores.