Kerala Parrippu Paysam

Overview
Parrippu paysam made from split green gram Dal is a very special dessert made for special occasions  especially Onam. This is a signature dessert of Kerala. Made with fresh coconut milk and jaggery this dessert has a very distinctive flavor and aroma. Molasses can be substituted for jaggery.

Parrippu Paysam

Ingredients
1 one split green gram Dal
1 1/2 cups molasses
1 cup thick first coconut milk(made from about 1pound fresh grated coconut)
4 cups 2nd and 3rd coconut milk
Ghee(clarified butter) - 6 Tablespoons
Cumin  powder - 1 teaspoon
Dry ginger powder -1 teaspoon
Cardamom powder - 11/2 teaspoon
Coconut chips thin sliced - half coconut
Cashew half - 1/2 cup
4 tablespoon oil to fry the coconut chips

Steps
1. Wash and drain the Dal and keep aside.
2. Fry the coconut chips till golden brown and keep aside. Fry the cashew half  and keep aside.
3. In a heavy bottom pan  add the Dal and roast till the Dal turns dark brown and gives out a nutty aroma.
4. Add 2 cups water to the Dal and cook till the Dal is cooked very well. Mash well  the cooked Dal.
5. Add the molasses and ghee to the Dal and keep stirring till the molasses is mixed well with the Dal and all water has almost evaporated.
6. In Half cup of the second coconut milk mix the cumin, dry ginger powder and cardamom powder and keep aside.
7. Add the second and third coconut milk to the Dal and molasses mixture and keep stirring. Add the half cup coconut milk mixed with the cumin, ginger and cardamom powder to this. Keep stirring.
 8. Continue stirring till the liquid has evaporated to almost half.
9. Turn off the heat and add the first coconut milk to it. Add the fried coconut chips and fried cashews to this. Mix well and serve.

Can be served hot or cold.