Kerala cuisine is a fusion of indigenous spices, flavours, and cooking techniques influenced by various cultures. And when it comes to desserts, Kerala has a lot to offer. Here’s a look at some of the most popular desserts of Kerala cuisine:
Payasam
The most popular and loved dessert of Kerala cuisine, Payasam is a sweet pudding made with rice, jaggery or sugar, and coconut milk. It is often garnished with fried cashew nuts, raisins, and grated coconut. Payasam is traditionally served on special occasions and festivals like Onam and Vishu. There are many different types of payasams in Kerala, each with its unique flavour and ingredients. Some of the most popular payasams in Kerala include Palada Payasam, Semiya Payasam, Wheat Payasam and more.
Ada Pradhaman
Another popular Kerala dessert, Ada Pradhaman is a sweet pudding made by cooking rice flour ada, a flat rice noodle, in coconut milk and jaggery syrup. The dish is then flavoured with cardamom, cumin, and other spices and garnished with fried coconut slices, raisins, and cashew nuts. The result is a sweet, creamy, and aromatic dessert many love. Ada Pradhaman is delicious and culturally significant, as it is an integral part of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.
Unniyappam
A sweet snack that originated in Kerala, Unniyappam is made with mashed bananas, rice flour, and jaggery or sugar. It is fried in ghee and garnished with fried coconut pieces and cardamom powder. Unniyappam has a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior with a hint of banana and coconut flavour. It is commonly served as a tea-time snack or a prasadam (offering) in Hindu temples. Unniyappam is not only delicious but also holds cultural significance, as it is a traditional snack that has been enjoyed in Kerala for generations.
Kozhikode Halwa
Kozhikode Halwa, also known as Calicut Halwa, is a popular sweet delicacy from Kozhikode in Kerala. A chewy dessert made with wheat flour, sugar, ghee, and coconut oil, Kozhikode Halwa is famous for its unique texture and flavour. It is often flavoured with cardamom and garnished with cashew nuts. Kozhikode Halwa is widely enjoyed as a dessert or snack and a popular gift item often given to friends and family during special occasions.
Ela Ada
A sweet steamed dumpling made with rice flour, jaggery, grated coconut, and cardamom, Ela Ada is wrapped in a banana leaf and must-try if you want something unique and delicious.
Vattayappam
A steamed sweet cake made with fermented rice batter, coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom, Vattayappam is often garnished with raisins and cashew nuts. It is a popular dessert in Kerala and is often served during festive occasions.
Kerala’s cuisine has a wide range of desserts that are not only unique in flavour but also in the ingredients used. These traditional sweets are a must-try if you want to indulge in delicious and authentic Kerala cuisine.
