no exception to the fact. The grand feast served on a Banana Leaf is appealing not only to our eyes but also delectable to our taste buds. Sadhya is a grand affair with a huge number of vegetarian delicacies ranging from 5 to 12 items or sometimes 16 to 24 preparations on the menu. Traditionally the number of items served ranges in multiples of 8, utmost up to 64 items on the whole. The dishes are prepared with a perfect balance to appeal all six tastes - Sweet, Salty, Spicy, Sourness, Bitterness and Pungency. But the highlight of any Sadhya is the Payasam which is served as the last item.
LETS TALK ABOUT PAYASAM...
Payasam is served as a last item in a Kerala Sadhya, a long spread of food in a Banana Leaf catering a long list of Sadhya Vibhavangal depending on the grandeur of the banquet/Sadhya. Though Last served, Payasam reigns the Sadhya undoubtedly as a King, appeasing & satiating our taste buds. The taste of a Payasam lingers in our taste buds prolonging too longer and staying there for ever. Without a Payasam, a Sadhya is considered to be incomplete.
After eating such an elaborate meal, would you have a little space to accommodate the Payasam? My Dad says, just a lick of Pickle or Inji Curry can help you do the job. And that is true. I have done the trick so many times to gobble up a bowl of Payasam in a Sadhya. So is the importance and speciality of a Payasam in a Sadhya.
Sadhya is ubiquitous to Onam and Vishu & Payasam/Pradhaman is ubiquitous to a Sadhya. Traditionally it is served on a plantain(banana) leaf. The rich heritage and tradition are indigenous to these Payasam. Sadhya is finished with Pradhaman or Payasam. It is usually mixed along with Pappadam and Pazham. Pappadam, Pazham & Payasam are considered as the 3 important dishes in a Sadhya. Even the poorest of families in the days of yore make sure to at least prepare the simplest of a Payasam to commemorate the event and serve it with Pappadam and a Banana(Pazham). So Payasam, how simple it may be, is a must in a Sadhya.
When talking about Payasam & Pradhaman a Classic dish of any Sadhya is usually misinterpreted. Not many know the difference between pradhaman and payasam. It is often confusing and referred to as the same dish by many. Even I am not sure with the difference between a Payasam & a Pradhaman. From what I know, Single cooked is Payasam, where as Double-cooked is Pradhaman. Pradhaman involves cooking twice, like for Ada, first the Ada is cooked and then it is added into a sweet concoction to convert it into a Pradhaman. A payasam which involves double cooking becomes a Pradhaman. Pradhaman is thicker and involves twice the work. Commonly Payasam is prepared in Temples to appease Gods. As Pradhamans involve double cooking like for cooking Ada or Fruits, Pradhamans are not served for God.
Whereas a dessert of the same genre is Kheer, the North Indian sibling of Payasam & Pradhaman. Kheer differs from many Indian desserts because it has two quite distinct origins. The first is the ancient Indian tradition of 'Payas', which survives to this day in South India as 'Payasam'. And the second is the Middle Eastern 'Sheer' brought to India by Arabs in the medieval age.
I have tried to gather up some traditional South Indian Payasams & Pradhamans which can be easily prepared for a Sadhya or as a simple dessert, whenever a sweet tooth pops up.
For more PAYASAMS, PRADHAMANS & KHEERS, Click here...
PALADA PAYASAM/PRADHAMAN
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| PALADA PAYASAM/PRADHAMAN |
When it comes to Payasam and Pradhamans, Palada Payasam/Pradhaman is one of the most traditional desserts of 'GODS OWN COUNTRY' and it is called as the King of Desserts in Kerala. When talking about Payasam, Palada Pradhaman/Payasam can never skip the thought. Palada Pradhaman/Payasam is prepared with Cow's Milk and sweetened with Sugar.
Palada Pradhaman/Payasam is a delectable concoction made with Cow's Milk and Sugar with a special ingredient 'Ada'(Rice Flakes) as a base. Ada gives a delicate texture and special flavour and taste to this wonderful 'Palada Pradhaman/Payasam'. Slow cooking is one method which would yield a light Pink coloured Palada Pradhaman/Payasam, which converts this tasty dessert into a visual treat.
For PALADA PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
AMBALAPUZHA PAAL PAYASAM/ARI PAYASAM
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| AMBALA PUZHA PAAL PAYASAM/ARI PAYASAM |
This is one of the most common Payasam served in a Sadhya & Paal Payasam or Palada Payasam tops the list during Onam/Vishu Sadhya.
ADA PRADHAMAN
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| ADA PRADHAMAN |
For ADA PRADHAMAN RECIPE, Click here...
GOTHAMBU PAYASAM - BROKEN WHEAT PAYASAM
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| GOTHAMBU PAYASAM - BROKEN WHEAT PAYASAM |
Gothambu Payasam/Pradhaman is a Classic Payasam prepared with Broken Wheat/Nurungu Gothambu in a delectable concoction made with Coconut Milk and Jaggery & flavoured with Cardamoms & Dry Ginger. The Broken Wheat/Nurungu Gothambu in this Pradhaman is slightly bigger than the Samba Gothumai Rava/Broken Wheat/Dhalia we use for Upmas. This Broken Wheat/Nurungu Gothambu has a wonderful texture when cooked. It is one of the Traditional Pradhamans of Kerala, cooked during special occasions and festivals.
Though there is a debate on whether Gothambu Payasam comes under Pradhaman or Payasam, as it does not involve double cooking of the ingredients. Mostly it is categorized under Payasam.
For GOTHAMBU PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
PARIPPU PRADHAMAN
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| PARIPPU PRADHAMAN |
Parippu Pradhaman is a classic Kerala style Payasam prepared with Moong Dhal/Cheru Payar Parippu in a delectable concoction made with Coconut Milk and Jaggery. All the more the Parippu (lentil) for this Pradhaman is Cheru Payar/Moong Dhal/Pasi Paruppu, an easily digestible lentil. It is one of the Traditional Pradhamans of Kerala, cooked during special occasions and festivals.
Even this payasam is often confused and debated whether Parippu Payasam comes under Pradhaman or Payasam, as it does not involve double cooking of the ingredients. Mostly it is categorized under Payasam. But some say as it involves dry-roasting the Cheru Payar before making Payasam it can be categorized as Pradhaman.
For PARIPPU PRADHAMAN RECIPE, Click here...
VERMICELLI PAYASAM/SEMIYA PAYASAM
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| VERMICELLI PAYASAM/SEMIYA PAYASAM |
For VERMICELLI PAYASAM/SEMIYA PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
JAVVARI PAYASAM/SAGO PAYASAM
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| JAVVARI PAYASAM/SAGO PAYASAM |
Javvari Payasam/Sago Payasam can be prepared by soaking the Tapioca Pearls/Sago/Javvarisi or alternatively it can also be prepared by roasting the Tapioca Pearls/Sago/Javvarisi in ghee. This is the easiest method and also gives a better texture to the Javvari Payasam/Sago Payasam. Sago/Tapioca Pearls can also be combined up with Vermicelli to make Javvarisi-Semiya Payasam. Another version of Sago Payasam with Jaggery and Coconut Milk is also prevalent in and around South India.
For JAVVARI PAYASAM/SAGO PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
ELANEER PAYASAM/TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM
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| ELANEER PAYASAM/TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM |
An authentic Payasam from Kongu Cuisine which is famous for its extensive use of Local Produce, subtle use of spices and cooking with fresh ingredients.
For ELANEER PAYASAM/TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
NEYPAYASAM
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| NEYPAYASAM |
For NEYPAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
CHAKKA PRADHAMAN/JACKFRUIT PAYASAM
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| CHAKKA PRADHAMAN/JACKFRUIT PAYASAM |
As this Jack Fruit Payasam involves double cooking, may be cooking the Jackfruits in Jaggery or as converting it into Chakka Varattiyathu and then preparing it into a Payasam, this dish is commonly termed as Chakka Pradhaman. Lore attached to it makes it as a commonly served Payasam in a Wedding Sadhya.
For CHAKKA PRADHAMAN/JACKFRUIT PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
JACK FRUIT & RICE PAYASAM - PONSA GHARAI
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| JACK FRUIT & RICE PAYASAM - PONSA GHARAI |
Jackfruit and Rice Payasam is a tasty dessert prepared with Jackfruit slices, Rice, Coconut Milk/Milk & Jaggery/Sugar, flavoured with Cardamoms and garnished with Cashews & Almonds. Authentic Chakka Pradhaman/Jackfruit Pradhaman is the one which is quite prevalent and popular Pradhaman prepared with Jackfruit in Kerala Cuisine.
But this type of Payasam is unique to Udupi/Konkani Cuisine and it is called 'PONSA GHARAI'. This Jackfruit Rice Payasam recipe has a wonderful texture from Jackfruit slices and soaked Rice with a unique aroma synonymous to Jackfruit.
For JACK FRUIT & RICE PAYASAM - PONSA GHARAI RECIPE, Click here...
MAMBAZHA PRADHAMAN/MANGO PAYASAM
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| MAMBAZHA PRADHAMAN/MANGO PAYASAM |
Mambazha Pradhaman/Mango Payasam comes into limelight when Mangoes are in season. Commonly this Pradhaman is prepared during Vishu when Mangoes are in season. If you can get hold of Mangoes, then this Mambazha Pradhaman would be a tasty addition in your Sadhya.
For MAMBAZHA PRADHAMAN/MANGO PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
NENDHRA PAZHA PRADHAMAN
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| NENDHRA PAZHA PRADHAMAN |
Nendhra Pazham is steam cooked and mashed before adding it into the Jaggery Concoction & Coconut Milk. Pradhamans prepared with fruits like Nendhra Pazham has a wonderful note of that fruit in it enhancing the overall flavour and taste of the dessert. This is one of the most unique and classic desserts of GOD'S OWN COUNTRY.
For NENDHRA PAZHA PRADHAMAN RECIPE, Click here...
MATHANGA PIDI - SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS
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| MATHANGA PIDI - SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS |
Though this is an authentic recipe from Kerala Cuisine, a family recipe, this dessert doesn't come under classic Payasam recipes served in a Sadhya. If you are literally in the mood for a twist in a Payasam recipe, then this Mathanga Pidi is sure to appease your taste buds.
For MATHANGA PIDI - SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS RECIPE, Click here...
AVAL PAYASAM WITH ROCK SUGAR
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| AVAL PAYASAM WITH ROCK SUGAR |
This is a common Payasam made for Gokulashtami/Krishna Jayanthi to commemorate Lord Krishna's love for this payasam and to proclaim the lore of Krishna & Sudama(Kuchelan).
For AVAL PAYASAM WITH ROCK SUGAR RECIPE, Click here...
CARROT PAYASAM/KHEER
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| CARROT PAYASAM/KHEER |
For CARROT PAYASAM/KHEER RECIPE, Click here...
THENGA PAAL PAYASAM
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| THENGA PAAL PAYASAM |
For THENGA PAAL PAYASAM RECIPE, Click here...
FIRNI
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| FIRNI |
The origin of the dessert is believed to be Middle Eastern, but can also be seen in Persian, Lebanese, Moroccan & Afghani Cuisine. A lot of innovative variations are found with this recipe these days, the Badam-Pista Firni, Mango, Rose, Kesar(Saffron) etc., & etc., This Firni is the basic authentic recipe of the dessert.
For FIRNI RECIPE, Click here...
Let's celebrate this Onam with the undoubtful combination of Payasam, Pappadam & Pazham.
| DELICIOUS PAYASAMS FOR A SADHYA |


















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