🍌 Nenthrapazha Payasam Recipe

(Kerala-style banana Kheer / Pradhaman)

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe nendram bananas (Kerala variety)
• ¾ cup jaggery (adjust to sweetness)
• 1 ½ cups thick coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups thin coconut milk
• 3 tbsp ghee
• 10–12 cashews
• 10–12 raisins
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of dry ginger powder (optional)
• A pinch of salt

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bananas:

o Peel the ripe nendram bananas and cut them into small pieces or slices.

o Steam or boil the banana pieces for 5–7 minutes until soft.

o Mash them smoothly using a spoon or blend lightly in a mixer.

2. Cook the banana Mixture:

o Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or uruli (traditional brass vessel).

o Add the mashed banana and sauté on low flame for 5–8 minutes until it turns golden and aromatic.

3. Add Jaggery:

o Melt jaggery with a little water, strain impurities, and add to the banana mixture.

o Stir and cook until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.

4. Add Coconut Milk:

o Pour in thin coconut milk first and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

o Then, add thick coconut milk and mix well. Do not boil after adding thick milk—just warm it gently.

o Add cardamom powder, dry ginger powder, and a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.

5. Add Garnish:

o Heat 1 tbsp ghee, fry cashews till golden, and add raisins until they puff up.

o Add these to the payasam and mix.

6. Serve:

o Serve warm or chilled as a festive dessert.

💡 Tips for Perfect Nenthrapazha Payasam:

• Use well-ripened nendram bananas for the best aroma and sweetness.
• Avoid boiling thick coconut milk to prevent curdling.
• Sauté bananas well in ghee to remove the raw flavor and enhance taste.
• You can add a spoon of roasted coconut bits for extra texture.
• Adjust the sweetness and consistency — it thickens as it cools.
• If jaggery is very dark, reduce slightly for a balanced flavor.
• For a richer version, add a few tablespoons of cooked sago (javvarisi) or dal.

🌿 Health Benefits of Nenthrapazha Payasam:

1. Energy Booster: Nendram bananas are rich in natural sugars and carbohydrates, providing instant energy.

2. Iron-Rich Sweetener: jaggery adds iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, improving blood health.

3. Heart-Healthy Fats: Coconut milk and ghee provide healthy fats that support heart and brain function.

4. Digestive Support: Bananas and cardamom aid digestion and soothe the stomach.

5. Mineral-Rich: Contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, essential for muscle and bone health.

6. Natural Immunity Support: The combination of banana, jaggery, and coconut strengthens the immune system.

7. Gluten-Free Dessert: Ideal for those avoiding gluten or processed sweets.

Conclusion:
Nenthrapazha Payasam is a traditional kerala delicacy that beautifully blends ripe bananas, jaggery, and coconut milk into a rich, creamy dessert. Bursting with authentic flavors and wholesome ingredients, it offers natural sweetness, energy, and nourishment — making it a perfect festive or comforting treat enjoyed across generations. 🍌✨

 

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