This Onam, savor these delicious payasam varieties
Onam, Kerala's vibrant harvest festival, is marked by the grand Onam sadya, a feast served on banana leaves. A highlight of this meal is payasam, a sweet pudding made from rice, lentils, or vermicelli, flavored with coconut milk, jaggery, and cardamom. Let's explore five popular types of payasam that bring delightful flavors to this festive celebration.
Palada payasam
This cherished dessert is made from rice flakes simmered in milk and sweetened with sugar, resulting in a rich, creamy pudding. As the rice cooks in milk, it thickens to a golden hue, and the addition of cardamom and ghee enhances its delicate flavor. This payasam is a classic choice for festive occasions like Onam, providing a comforting and sweet conclusion to the meal.
Parippu payasam
Parippu payasam features moong dal (yellow lentils) cooked in coconut milk and sweetened with jaggery. Roasting the lentils imparts a unique nutty flavor, while cardamom and coconut milk create a rich, aromatic dessert. Additionally, chopped almonds and cashews, along with toasted coconut, are used for garnishing, adding a delightful crunch and enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
Semiya payasam
Semiya payasam, or vermicelli payasam, is a simple and light dessert made by cooking roasted vermicelli in milk or coconut milk and sweetening it with sugar or jaggery. Garnished with ghee-fried cashews and raisins, it offers a milky, sweet taste with a hint of nutty flavor. Its ease of preparation and delightful flavor make it a popular choice for festive occasions.
Pazham pradhaman
Pazham pradhaman is a luxurious payasam made with ripe Nendran bananas, cooked with jaggery and coconut milk. This dessert boasts a rich, caramel-like flavor from the jaggery and a creamy texture from the coconut milk. Topped with ghee-fried coconut bits, cashews, and raisins, it offers a delightful combination of sweet and tropical banana flavors, perfect for Onam.
Parangikai payasam
Parangikai payasam, or pumpkin payasam, is one of the easiest and healthiest payasams to prepare, with pumpkin adding significant nutritional value. This delightful dessert features tender pumpkin cooked in milk and sweetened with jaggery. The pumpkin's natural sweetness, combined with cardamom, creates a rich and flavorful pudding. Garnished with roasted coconut and nuts, this creamy payasam provides a comforting finish to any meal.
