Onam Special Paayasam: A Sweet Celebration in Every Spoon

Onam, Kerala’s grand harvest festival, is incomplete without the rich and indulgent taste of paayasam. Served at the end of the Onam Sadya feast, paayasam is more than just a dessert — it’s a tradition, a symbol of abundance, and a sweet memory that lingers long after the last spoonful.

What Makes Paayasam Special During Onam?

In Kerala homes, paayasam is prepared with love, using time-honored recipes passed down for generations. During Onam, the dish represents prosperity and gratitude for the year’s harvest. Its creamy texture, fragrant ghee, and delicate sweetness make it the perfect finale to the grand vegetarian feast.

Popular Types of Onam Paayasam

While there are many versions, here are some favorites that often grace the Onam Sadya banana leaf:

1. Ada Pradhaman – Made with rice ada, jaggery, and coconut milk, slow-cooked for hours to develop its rich, caramelized flavor.

2. Palada Paayasam – A milk-based classic with rice ada and sugar, offering a silky, delicate sweetness.

3. Parippu Paayasam – A wholesome version with moong dal, jaggery, and coconut milk, flavored with cardamom.

   A Simple Ada Pradhaman Recipe for Onam

   Ingredients:

   • 1 cup rice ada

   • 2 cups thick coconut milk

   • 4 cups thin coconut milk

   • 1 ½ cups grated jaggery

   • 3 tbsp ghee

   • ¼ tsp cardamom powder

   • Cashews & raisins for garnish

   Method:

   1. Cook rice ada until soft. Drain and set aside.

   2. Melt jaggery in a little water, strain to remove impurities.

   3. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine ada with jaggery syrup and thin coconut milk.

   4. Simmer until thickened, then add thick coconut milk and cardamom powder.

   5. Fry cashews and raisins in ghee, mix into the paayasam. Serve warm or chilled.

   The Joy of Serving Paayasam

   During Onam, paayasam is traditionally served last, after a lavish array of curries, pickles, and accompaniments. On the banana leaf, its golden-brown or creamy white color stands out — a sweet promise that the celebration will end on the happiest note.

   Final Scoop

   Whether you make the nutty parippu paayasam or the luxurious ada pradhaman, this Onam dessert is all about celebrating togetherness, tradition, and the bounty of Kerala. This year, let every spoonful remind you of the joy of home, heritage, and harvest.

   Final Thoughts

   
   
   
   
   
   

   If you’re in the UK and longing for that nostalgic taste of home, PickEasy has got you covered. Explore our Kerala grocery online store, order your favourite matta rice, and bring home a piece of tradition with every bite.

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Visit *PickEasy.co.uk today and start your Kerala food journey!*