Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Rinse and Soak Urad Dal and Rice

   Add 1 cup (175g) urad dal and 1 tbsp (13g) rice to a bowl. Rinse them thoroughly under running water, rubbing gently, until the water runs clear. Pour sufficient water to cover the dal and rice, then soak for about 4 hours. After 4 hours, the dal and rice should have plumped up. Rinse them once more.

2. 2.Blend into a Smooth Paste

   Transfer the soaked and rinsed urad dal and rice into a blender. Add 2 cups of water, adding it little by little as needed. Blend until it forms a very smooth, fine paste. Ensure there are no grainy bits left. Keep the blended paste aside.

3. 3.Prepare the Base

   Pour 6 cups (1.3 Litre) of water into a large pot. Add 2 screwpine leaves (pandan leaves), tied into a knot, to the water. Heat the water over medium heat until it starts to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.

4. 4.Cook the Dal Mixture

   While the water is on low heat, slowly pour the blended urad dal and rice mixture into the pot. Continuously stir the mixture with a wooden spoon as you pour to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring over low heat until the mixture starts to boil and thickens slightly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The consistency should be like a thin porridge.

5. 5.Add Sweeteners and Spices

   Once the mixture starts to boil and thicken, reduce the heat to low. Add 50g of palm sugar, sugar to taste, a pinch of salt, 5 cardamom pods, and 1/4 tsp of dried ginger powder. Mix well until all the sugar is completely dissolved and the spices are evenly incorporated.

6. 6.Add Coconut Milk and Finish Cooking

   Pour 1 cup (200ml) of fresh coconut milk into the pot. Turn on the heat to low again and continue stirring. Cook until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, ensuring it doesn't stick to the bottom. Once it starts to boil, immediately turn off the heat.

7. 7.Serve

   The Urad Dal Payasam is now ready to serve. Ladle it into individual bowls. Garnish with grated coconut and chopped almonds for added texture and flavor. Serve warm.