Paruppu Pradhaman is a traditional South Indian dessert made with moong dal (split yellow lentils), jaggery, coconut milk, and flavored with cardamom and ghee. It’s a creamy and aromatic pudding often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Here’s the recipe:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ready in: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1 cup jaggery, grated or chopped
- 2 cups thick coconut milk
- 1 cup thin coconut milk (second extract)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of salt
- A few cashew nuts and raisins for garnishing
Instructions:
- Wash the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the jaggery with a little water over medium heat to make a syrup. Strain the syrup to remove any impurities.
- In a separate pot, boil the soaked moong dal with enough water until it’s soft and cooked. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- In a large pan, add the cooked moong dal and jaggery syrup. Mix well and cook over low to medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the dal absorbs the jaggery flavor.
- Add the thin coconut milk to the moong dal and jaggery mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Gradually add the thick coconut milk and mix well. Allow the pradhaman to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Mix everything well.
- In a separate pan, heat ghee and fry the cashew nuts and raisins until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Once the pradhaman reaches a creamy and thick consistency, turn off the heat.
- Garnish the Paruppu Pradhaman with the fried cashew nuts and raisins.
Serve the Paruppu Pradhaman warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert after a meal. The combination of moong dal, coconut milk, and jaggery creates a smooth and comforting pudding that is cherished in South Indian cuisine. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this traditional dessert!