Kadalai Paruppu

How to Prepare

1. Rinse the soaked chana dal thoroughly and pressure cook with 2 liters of water for 3 whistles or until soft. Mash lightly after cooking.
2. In a large pot, melt 5 cups of jaggery with a little water over low heat to make a syrup. Strain to remove impurities.
3. Add the cooked chana dal to the jaggery syrup and mix well. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in 2.5 cups of coconut milk and stir. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Do not boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
5. Add 2.5 teaspoons of cardamom powder and mix well for flavor.
6. In a small frying pan, heat 5 tablespoons of ghee. Fry 1 cup of chopped cashew nuts and 0.5 cup of raisins until golden brown.
7. Add the fried nuts and raisins to the payasam and mix well. Turn off the heat.
8. Serve hot or chilled as per preference.