Paruppu Payasam Recipe (Moong Dal Kheer) Spice Up The Curry

Moongdal Payasam

Cover Moongdal Payasam (1600x1202)

Table of Contents

1. What is Moong Dal Payasam?
2. Ingredients
3. Preparation
4. Variations
5. Serving

What is Moong Dal Payasam?

Moong Dal Payasam is a traditional Indian dessert made with moong dal (split yellow lentils), jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), and coconut milk. It is a popular sweet dish in South India and is often prepared during festivals and special occasions.

The word "payasam" in Tamil and Malayalam refers to a sweet, milk-based dessert. Moong Dal Payasam is typically served hot or cold and has a creamy, pudding-like consistency. It is flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts like cashews and raisins.

Ingredients

To make Moong Dal Payasam, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 1 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A handful of cashews
• A handful of raisins

Preparation

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Moong Dal Payasam:

1. Wash the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Drain the water and pressure cook the moong dal with 2 cups of water until it becomes soft and mushy.
3. In a separate pan, heat ghee and fry the cashews and raisins until they turn golden brown. Keep them aside.
4. In the same pan, add the cooked moong dal and jaggery. Mix well and cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and blends with the dal.
5. Add the coconut milk and cardamom powder to the dal mixture. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Garnish with the fried cashews and raisins.
7. Serve the Moong Dal Payasam hot or cold, according to your preference.

Variations

While the traditional Moong Dal Payasam recipe uses jaggery and coconut milk, there are a few variations you can try:

1. Sugar instead of Jaggery

If you don't have jaggery, you can replace it with an equal amount of sugar. However, keep in mind that jaggery adds a unique flavor and richness to the payasam.

2. Condensed Milk

For a creamier and sweeter version of Moong Dal Payasam, you can add a small amount of condensed milk along with the coconut milk. This will give the payasam a richer and more indulgent taste.

3. Roasted Moong Dal

Instead of pressure cooking the moong dal, you can roast it in ghee until it turns golden brown. This will add a nutty flavor to the payasam and give it a slightly different texture.

Serving

Moong Dal Payasam can be served as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat during festivals and celebrations. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference.

To serve, ladle the payasam into individual bowls or cups. Garnish with some more fried cashews and raisins for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder on top for an extra aromatic touch.

Moong Dal Payasam pairs well with traditional Indian snacks like murukku or banana chips. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting and satisfying dessert.

Conclusion

Moong Dal Payasam is a delicious and creamy Indian dessert made with moong dal, jaggery, and coconut milk. It is a popular sweet dish in South India and is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. The combination of the nutty moong dal, sweet jaggery, and rich coconut milk creates a unique and indulgent flavor that is loved by many.

Whether you serve it hot or cold, Moong Dal Payasam is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving for more. So, next time you are in the mood for a traditional Indian dessert, give this recipe a try and indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Moong Dal Payasam.