Pradhaman ( Authentic kerala Yellow lentils dessert)

Festivals bring in a lot of beautiful memories to my me. I feel that no matter how old you become, the festivals bring back your childhood memories and nostalgic feelings . If I introspect , I would not think twice before putting myself under the category of insecure and introvert kids. Things change with time.:) Even now, Onam and Vishu brings back the vague mind of that kid to me. Now I am able to embrace that kid with a grown up, confident inner self . I think this technique of comforting your aches and hurts of mind as a mature self of the same childhood soul/mind works well. It brings harmony and happiness to my mind . 🙂 Food plays a big role in the formation of your memories.

Pradhaman is that one dessert which connects me to my childhood .The aroma of this dessert instantly takes me back to the Onam/Vishu , I had celebrated with my little sis Sabi. Nothing to replace those memories and the bonding we share sweetheart. Love you. Oh, I was writing the recipe and I’m totally lost in emotions now. 😉

Chalo, let’s get back to the track. Here is the recipe of Parippu pradhaman just for you !

Ingredients
Moong dal/yellow lentils/cheru parippu – 1 cup
coconut milk – 2 cups
ghee- 1/2 cup
water – 1 cup
jaggery – 150 gm
Elaichi powder -1 tsp
cashewnuts – 2 tbsp
Raisins- 10 nos
Method
1. Roast the cheru parippu/moong dal in a thick bottomed cooker until golden brown. Add boiled water into it. Cover and wait for 2 to 3 whistles.
2. Boil the jaggery blocks in 1 or 2 cups of water to form a liquid. Strain out the impurities.
3. Add the jaggery liquid into the cooked dal after adding thin coconut milk.Bring it to boil.
4. Add some ghee into it and keep stirring for 5 to 6 minutes.Add elaichi powder to it.
5. Now add the thick coconut milk gently into the cooker and switch off the flame. continue stirring to avoid separation..
6. Heat the remaining ghee in a small pan and fry cashews and raisins in it. Pour it in to the payasam along with ghee.
Serve hot or chilled.

Planning to surprise your family with Kerala vegeterian dishes or even Sadya? Then my other posts on Sambar , Avial , Koottu curry, Pachadi, Parippu curry,Puli inji and Payasam will do the magic for you!