How to Make Authentic Pesaha Appam recipe – Step-by-Step Guide

Pesaha Appam Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Traditional Lent Dish

Pesaha Appam, a traditional unleavened rice bread, is a special dish prepared by Christian communities in Kerala, India, especially on Maundy Thursday during the Holy Week. This unique dish holds religious significance and is often paired with Pesaha Paal, a sweet coconut milk sauce. The making of Pesaha Appam is steeped in tradition and symbolizes purity and humility.

In this blog, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to prepare authentic Pesaha Appam at home, ensuring it is both flavorful and easy to make. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.

Table of Contents

1. What is Pesaha Appam?
2. The Significance of Pesaha Appam
3. Ingredients for Pesaha Appam
4. Step-by-Step Recipe for Pesaha Appam
5. Tips for the Perfect Pesaha Appam
6. How to Make Pesaha Paal (Coconut Milk Sauce)
7. Serving Suggestions
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Pesaha Appam?

Pesaha Appam, also known as Inri Appam, is an unleavened rice bread traditionally prepared during Pesaha (Maundy Thursday). The dish is made without fermenting agents like yeast, which aligns with the religious practices of not using leavened bread on this holy day.

Pesaha Appam has a soft, pancake-like texture and is made with rice flour, urad dal, and coconut, along with a blend of spices for added flavor. Its simplicity reflects the solemnity of the occasion, while the accompanying Pesaha Paal adds sweetness to the meal.

2. The Significance of Pesaha Appam

In the Christian tradition, Pesaha Appam is linked to the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, where unleavened bread was shared among His disciples. Families gather together to break the bread during a special prayer service, creating a moment of unity and reflection.

Preparing and sharing Pesaha Appam is also a way to honor centuries-old customs passed down through generations, making it a deeply cherished cultural and spiritual practice.

3. Ingredients for Pesaha Appam

To make Pesaha Appam, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Appam:

• Rice flour – 2 cups (fine variety)
• Urad dal (black gram) – 2 tbsp
• Grated coconut – 1 cup
• Shallots – 4 to 5 (optional, for extra flavor)
• Garlic – 2 cloves (optional)
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Water – as needed

For Pesaha Paal:

• Thick coconut milk – 2 cups
• Jaggery – 1 cup (grated)
• Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp
• Rice flour – 1 tsp (optional, for thickening)

4. Step-by-Step Recipe for Pesaha Appam

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Flour

1. Homemade rice flour: If you want to make rice flour at home, wash and soak raw rice for 3-4 hours. Drain the water completely and grind it into a fine powder. Sieve the flour to ensure it’s smooth.
2. Store-bought rice flour: For convenience, you can use fine rice flour available in stores.

Step 2: Soak and Grind Urad Dal

1. Wash the urad dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 1 hour.
2. Drain the water and grind the urad dal into a smooth paste using minimal water. This will help in binding the appam.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, ground urad dal, and grated coconut.
2. Add finely chopped shallots, garlic, cumin seeds, and salt to taste.
3. Gradually add water to form a thick, pourable batter. The consistency should resemble that of pancake batter.

Step 4: Cook the Pesaha Appam

1. Grease a flat steel plate or banana leaf with oil.
2. Pour the batter onto the greased plate and spread it evenly using a ladle.
3. Steam the appam in an idli steamer or pressure cooker (without a whistle) for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Allow the appam to cool before cutting it into pieces.

5. Tips for the Perfect Pesaha Appam

• Use freshly grated coconut for an authentic taste.
• Don’t skip the cumin seeds; they add a subtle flavor to the appam.
• Ensure the batter is thick but pourable – too thin, and the appam may turn soggy.
• If you don’t have shallots, you can skip them, but they enhance the flavor.

6. How to Make Pesaha Paal (Coconut Milk Sauce)

No Pesaha Appam is complete without Pesaha Paal! This sweet, cardamom-flavored coconut milk sauce perfectly complements the appam.

Step 1: Prepare Coconut Milk

• Extract fresh coconut milk if possible. For convenience, you can use store-bought coconut milk.

Step 2: Melt Jaggery

• Melt grated jaggery in a small pan with a few tablespoons of water. Strain to remove impurities.

Step 3: Mix and Cook

• In a saucepan, combine the melted jaggery and thick coconut milk.
• Add cardamom powder for flavor and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• If the sauce is too thin, dissolve 1 tsp of rice flour in water and add it to the mixture for thickening.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring continuously.

7. Serving Suggestions

• Place the Pesaha Appam on a plate and drizzle Pesaha Paal generously over it.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cardamom powder or roasted cashews for added flavor.
• Serve immediately as a sweet, wholesome treat.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Pesaha Appam without urad dal?

Yes, but urad dal adds softness and binds the appam. If you skip it, the texture might change slightly.

2. Can I use store-bought coconut milk?

Absolutely! While fresh coconut milk tastes better, store-bought versions work perfectly for convenience.

3. How do I store leftover Pesaha Appam?

Wrap it in a clean cloth or store it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.

4. Is there a gluten-free version of Pesaha Appam?

The traditional recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice flour instead of wheat flour.

Conclusion

Pesaha Appam is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of faith, unity, and tradition. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can recreate this cherished Kerala dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a religious occasion or simply exploring new culinary traditions, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and celebrate the rich heritage of Kerala with homemade Pesaha Appam and Pesaha Paal!