Rice Pradhaman (Rice Pudding With Coconut Milk)
Pradhaman (translates as chief or first) is a traditional and delightful Kerala dessert and a small portion is always served to be eaten first at any banquet - a welcome preview of what is to come! There are many types of pradhamans in which the star ingredients may be rice or rice products, dals, or fruits such as jack-fruits or plantains; all are typically made with jaggery and coconut milk and are porridge-like - a bit soupy. This pradhaman is also called "idichu pizhinja payasam" as freshly grated coconut is "pounded and squeezed" to extract the milk. I have given the option of canned coconut milk to make it easier. Some families flavor the pradhaman simply with dried ginger only and the toasted coconut; others like to add cardamoms and cashews. Try both and decide for yourself. It is important to stir regularly so that the pradhaman does not stick or burn. This is a gluten and dairy free and fat free too if the ghee is omited. If you like, use cocon...
