By Shreya Sarpal
April 18, 2025
Pesaha paal is a South Indian, Kerala Christian dish for Maundy Thursday, which combines coconut, milk, jaggery and rice flour, subtly spiced with cumin and cardamom. It can be served with Pesaha Appam and symbolises unity and purity.
1 cup rice flour ½ cup grated jaggery 2 cups thick coconut milk 1 cup water ¼ tsp cumin powder ¼ tsp cardamom powder A pinch of salt
Melt jaggery in water over low heat, then strain it.
Mix rice flour with water to form a smooth paste.
Add the paste to the strained jaggery syrup and cook on low heat until it thickens a bit.
Stir the coconut milk, cumin powder, cardamom powder and salt together. Stir continuously until the mixture turns to a creamy consistency.
Serve warm or chilled alongside pesaha appam.