Introduction
Palada Payasam is a quintessential Kerala dessert, often gracing the grand Sadya (traditional Kerala feast). This payasam is revered for its creamy consistency and delicate flavors. Made by simmering rice ada (rice flakes or tiny rice pasta) with milk and sugar until thickened, the dish develops a distinct caramelized sweetness. Palada Payasam symbolizes joy and celebration in Kerala households and is a must-have during the festival of Onam.
1. Preparing Palada Payasam
Ingredients for Palada Payasam:
- 1/2 cup rice ada (readily available in stores)
- 1 liter full-fat milk (for richness)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cashews (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped raisins (optional, for garnish)
- A few strands of saffron (optional, for a luxurious touch)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Rice Ada:
- Rinse the rice ada under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak it in hot water for 20 minutes or until it softens.
- Drain the water and rinse again to prevent any stickiness. Set aside.
- Boiling the Milk:
- In a thick-bottomed pot or a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring frequently. This helps the milk thicken and acquire a creamy texture.
- Cooking the Ada:
- In a separate pan, heat ghee and lightly fry the softened ada for 2-3 minutes. This step helps enhance the flavor and prevents the ada from breaking apart during cooking.
- Add the fried ada to the simmering milk and continue cooking over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the ada from clumping and sticking.
- Sweetening the Payasam:
- Once the ada is soft and the milk has thickened (approximately 20-25 minutes), add sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely and the milk attains a light pinkish hue due to caramelization.
- Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavor and allow the ada to fully absorb the sweetness.
- Flavoring the Payasam:
- Add cardamom powder and mix well. For a touch of luxury, you can also add saffron strands soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk.
- Garnishing (Optional):
- In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee and lightly fry the cashews and raisins until golden brown.
- Garnish the payasam with fried cashews, raisins, and a drizzle of ghee if desired.
2. Pro Tips for Perfect Palada Payasam
- Milk Consistency: Use full-fat milk for the creamiest texture. Stirring continuously while simmering ensures that the milk doesn’t burn or form a skin on the top.
- Caramelization: For authentic flavor, let the milk simmer until it slightly caramelizes, giving the payasam its signature light pink hue and deep flavor.
- Rice Ada Quality: Ensure you use good quality rice ada. If using store-bought dried ada, soaking and rinsing well is crucial to prevent clumping.
3. Serving Suggestions
- Warm or Chilled: Palada Payasam can be served warm as a comforting dessert or chilled for a refreshing end to a meal.
- As Part of a Sadya: This payasam is often served as the grand finale of a Kerala Sadya meal, enjoyed after savory dishes, pickles, and other sweets.
4. Variations of Palada Payasam
- Jaggery Version: In some variations, sugar is replaced with jaggery for a deeper, more earthy flavor, though traditionally sugar is used to maintain the light color.
- Condensed Milk Addition: To make the payasam richer, some add a small amount of condensed milk during the cooking process.
5. Fun Fact
- Traditional Cooking: Traditionally, Palada Payasam was cooked in large urulis (heavy brass or bronze vessels) over firewood, which added a unique smoky aroma to the dish. The slow-cooking method is key to its authentic taste.
6. Nutritional Information
- Energy Boost: Rich in carbohydrates and fats, Palada Payasam provides quick energy and is a source of calcium and protein from the milk.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level to make it suitable for dietary preferences.
Enjoy Palada Payasam, a divine blend of sweet, creamy, and comforting flavors, cherished for generations in Kerala’s rich culinary tradition!