Onam is Kerala’s joyful harvest celebration, where families reunite to share delicious feasts and keep their brightest traditions alive. Among the many sweets served during the Onam Sadhya, Elaneer Payasam stands out as a refreshing and creamy dessert. Made with tender coconut water and pulp, this delightful payasam is simple to prepare and perfect for celebrating the festive spirit. Here’s an easy recipe to make Elaneer Payasam at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tender coconuts (for water and pulp)
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup condensed milk (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup rice (preferably small-grain like jeerakasala)
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, based on taste)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 10-12 cashew nuts
- 10-12 raisins
- 2 tbsp ghee
- A pinch of saffron (optional, for flavor)
Direction
- Prepare the Coconut: Open the tender coconuts and collect the water in a bowl. Scrape out the soft coconut pulp and blend it lightly to form a smooth paste. Set both aside.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly. In a heavy-bottomed pan, cook the rice with 1 cup of milk on low heat until soft and mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make the Payasam Base: Add the remaining milk to the cooked rice and simmer on low heat. Now, pour in that sweet condensed milk and a sprinkle of sugar if you like things extra sweet. Let it cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Coconut: Pour in the tender coconut water and stir well. Add the blended coconut pulp and mix gently. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
- Flavor It Up: Now, for that warm, magical aroma, stir in your cardamom and a pinch of saffron if you have it. Stir to combine the flavors.
- Fry the Garnish: In a small pan, heat ghee. Gently toast the cashews in the pan until they turn a warm, golden brown. Next, toss in the raisins and watch as they magically plump up. Stirring this crunchy mix into the payasam adds the most wonderful texture.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let the payasam cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, as per your preference, in small bowls to enjoy its creamy goodness.
Tips
- Make it your own! Add more or less condensed milk until it’s perfectly sweet for you.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated coconut roasted lightly in ghee as an additional garnish.
- Chill the payasam for a refreshing twist, perfect for warm Onam days.
Why It’s Perfect for Onam
Elaneer Payasam captures the essence of Kerala with its use of tender coconut, a local favorite. Its light, creamy texture complements the elaborate Onam Sadhya, balancing the spicy and savory dishes. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of the season’s freshness and abundance.
Make this Elaneer Payasam for your Onam celebration and share the joy of this traditional Kerala dessert with loved ones. Happy Onam!
Also Read: Authentic Unniyappam Recipe: The Perfect Sweet for Onam & South Indian Festivals
My Name is Sanjeev Vekariya, I cover Articles related to Baking, Recipes, Desserts and Cake . I have more than 5 Years of Experience in Writing Food Article.