Onam, a vibrant festival in Kerala, is renowned for its elaborate and colorful celebrations. Central to this festivity is the Onam Sadhya, a grand feast served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of dishes that tantalize the taste buds. However, the meal would be incomplete without the sweet touch of payasam, a traditional Kerala dessert. Made from ingredients such as rice, milk, coconut, and jaggery, payasam comes in numerous delightful variations. Here are six classic types of payasam that you can include in your Onam Sadhya to make it even more special.
Ada Pradhaman
A quintessential Kerala dessert, Ada Pradhaman is made from rice flakes (ada), jaggery, and coconut milk. Flavored with cardamom and garnished with fried cashew nuts and raisins, this rich dessert is slowly cooked to blend the flavors perfectly. The texture of the ghee-roasted ada adds a delightful crunch.
Semiya Payasam
A favorite across India, Semiya Payasam is prepared using vermicelli (semiya), milk, ghee, and sugar. The vermicelli is roasted in ghee before being simmered in milk, enhanced with cardamom and a generous amount of nuts. Its creamy and rich texture makes it an ideal choice for Onam.
Pal Payasam
Another popular dessert in Kerala, Pal Payasam is made from rice, milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom, saffron, and roasted dry fruits. This comforting dessert is enjoyed not only during Onam but also as a sweet treat after everyday meals.
Karikku Payasam
For a refreshing twist, Karikku Payasam uses tender coconut water, coconut milk, and tender coconut kernels, sweetened with jaggery. This light and soothing dessert, garnished with chopped coconut or roasted nuts, is perfect for adding a unique flavor to your Onam spread.
Parippu Payasam
A nutritious yet delicious option, Parippu Payasam is made from moong dal (yellow lentils), coconut milk, and jaggery. Roasting the dal in ghee before cooking it with jaggery and coconut milk creates a rich and satisfying dessert ideal for Onam.
Aval Payasam
Known as Atukula Payasam, Aval Payasam is crafted from flattened rice (aval or poha), jaggery, and milk. Simple yet flavorful, this dessert is often made during festivals like Shri Krishna Jayanti and holds a cherished place in the Onam Sadhya.
These delightful payasam varieties add a sweet and traditional touch to your Onam feast, making your celebrations even more memorable.
