Kerala’s Traditional Pesaha Appam Recipe: Easy Rice Cakes For Summer

By Shreya Sarpal

May 12, 2025

Pesaha Appam is traditionally made by Kerala Christians during Maundy Thursday. It pairs perfectly with a sweet coconut milk dip called Pesaha Paal, and holds great cultural and spiritual significance in the Kerala Christian community.

Ingredients

1 cup rice flour 1 cup coconut milk 1 tbsp urad dal (soaked and ground to a smooth paste) 1/4 tsp cumin seeds A pinch of salt For Pesaha Paal (Coconut Milk Dip): 2 cups coconut milk 1/4 cup melted and strained jaggery 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Step 1

Mix rice flour, ground urad dal, coconut milk, cumin seeds and salt to form a thick batter.

Step 2

Pour into a greased pan and steam for 15-20 minutes until it sets.

Step 3

Prepare Pesaha Paal by heating coconut milk with jaggery, a pinch of cardamom and simmer gently.

Step 4

Slice the appam and serve with warm Pesaha Paal.