Authentic Kerala Palada Payasam Recipe – Palada Pradhaman for Sadhya

Palada Payasam (Pradhaman): Kerala's King of Desserts

Kerala's Own Palada Payasam | Easy & Authentic

    When it comes to traditional Kerala desserts, Palada Payasam stands out as a cherished classic. Known as the 'King of Desserts' in God's Own Country, this delectable treat is a delightful variant of the Ada Pradhaman. While Ada Pradhaman is made with jaggery and coconut milk, Palada Payasam uses cow’s milk and sugar, offering a distinct yet equally delicious taste.

The Essence of Palada Payasam

    Palada Payasam, also known as Palada Pradhaman, features Ada—tiny square-shaped rice flakes made from Unakkalari rice powder. This key ingredient contributes to its unique texture and delicate flavour. Slow cooking Palada Payasam results in a light pink hue, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight.

Historical Significance

    Palada Payasam gained prominence during the White Revolution (Operation Flood) in the 1970s, a pivotal project that transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer. This revolution made cow's milk more accessible, paving the way for the popularity of Palada Payasam. Additionally, the dessert was first commercially prepared by M.S. Krishna Iyer (Manikya Nambi) during the 1975 Emergency Period. His version, served at the Vadakke Samooham in Thrissur, marked the beginning of Palada Payasam’s widespread acclaim.

Traditional Method of Preparing Ada

    To make authentic Palada Payasam, you need Ada, which is made from a thin batter of soaked Unakkalari rice. This batter is smeared on a banana leaf, wrapped, and steamed until cooked. The resulting rice flakes are cut into small squares and used in the dessert.

Cuisine - Kerala (India)
Recipe Type - Pradhaman/ Payasam, Dessert
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 4–6
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15-25 Minutes
Soaking Time - 8–10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30 -45 Minutes

Step-by-Step Guide to make Palada Payasam/Pradhaman

Kerala’s Palada Payasam – Palada Pradhaman, A Festive Sweet Treat

Palada Payasam Recipe

Ingredients

• Ada: 1/2 Cup
• Milk: 3 Cups
• Condensed Milk: 3/4–1 Cup
• Cardamom: 6 Pods
• Ghee: 3 Tablespoons
• Cashew Nuts: 10–12 Pieces

Method

• Soak the Ada: Wash and soak the Ada in warm water for 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until clear to remove excess starch.
• Prepare the Milk: Boil the milk and set aside.
• Grind Cardamom: Grind cardamom pods with a little sugar into a fine powder.
• Fry Cashews: Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Fry cashew nuts until golden brown.
• Cook Ada: Add the soaked Ada to the pan and fry on a low flame to prevent lumps.
• Combine Ingredients: Pour in the milk and cook until the Ada becomes soft. Add condensed milk and cardamom powder. Stir well.
• Simmer: Allow the mixture to boil on a low flame, stirring occasionally, for 20–30 minutes until you achieve a light pink colour and desired consistency.
• Serve: Enjoy Palada Payasam hot or cold.

Notes & Tips for a Perfect Palada Pradhaman

• For this recipe, I used store-bought Ada. And I add small nips of Cashews(slightly roasted in Geee) for added texture.  You can also use whole cashew nuts and raisins, if preferred.
• Soaking and rinsing Ada helps remove extra starch, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Adjust sweetness according to your taste. If not using condensed milk, replace it with sugar and extra milk.
• Slow cooking on low heat is key to achieving the perfect colour and consistency.

Explore More Kerala Desserts

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more traditional Kerala sweets:

• Ada Pradhaman: A Classic Kerala Dessert
• Paal Payasam: Creamy Rice Pudding
• Kadumpayasam: Divine Offerings
  

Discover More on Payasam, Pradhamans, and Kheers

Looking for more sweet treats? Browse our collection of Payasam recipes:

• Classic Payasam Recipes
• Authentic Pradhaman Variations
• Delicious Kheers for Every Occasion

Indulge in Kerala’s Sweet Heritage

    Palada Payasam is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey through Kerala’s rich culinary history. With its creamy texture, delicate flavour, and the light pink hue achieved through slow cooking, this dessert is a must-try for every food lover. Whether served hot or cold, Palada Payasam is sure to leave a lasting impression. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Kerala into your home!

    For more delicious and authentic recipes from Kerala and beyond, visit Essence of Life - Food and discover the true essence of traditional cooking!