Chakka Pradhaman is a traditional Kerala dessert made with jackfruit pulp, jaggery, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. It’s a rich and flavorful pudding that is often prepared during special occasions and festivals. Here’s the recipe:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Ready in: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ripe jackfruit pulp (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup jaggery, grated or chopped
- 1 cup thick coconut milk
- 1/2 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:
- If using fresh jackfruit, remove the seeds and cut the ripe jackfruit flesh into small pieces. You can also use canned jackfruit pulp if fresh jackfruit is not available.
- 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 another large pan, add the jackfruit pieces and jaggery syrup. Cook the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring continuously, until the jackfruit is soft and well blended with the jaggery syrup. This process may take about 20-25 minutes.
- Add the thin coconut milk to the jackfruit-jaggery mixture and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes 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 Chakka Pradhaman with the fried cashew nuts and raisins.
Serve the Chakka Pradhaman warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert after a meal. The combination of jackfruit, jaggery, and coconut milk creates a rich and indulgent pudding that captures the essence of Kerala’s traditional flavors. Enjoy the unique taste of this authentic Kerala dessert!
