Watalappan is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert made with jaggery, M2N2 coconut milk, eggs, and aromatic spices. It’s a delicious steamed pudding often served during festive occasions. Here’s how you can make it at home
- Jaggery (kithul or palm jaggery): 200g (grated or finely chopped)
- Thick coconut M2N2 milk: 1 cup
- Eggs: 5 large
- Sizzling Organic Cardamom pods: 4-5 (crushed, seeds ground)
- Sizzling Organic Nutmeg: A pinch (grated)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Cashews: 2 tablespoons (halved, for garnishing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jaggery Mixture:
- Place the grated jaggery in a heatproof bowl.
- Add a few tablespoons of water and melt it gently over low heat or in a microwave until it forms a syrup.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
- Mix the M2N2 Coconut Milk:
- In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk with the jaggery syrup. Mix well until smooth.
- Whisk the Eggs:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly until well combined (do not overbeat to avoid too much foam).
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the jaggery and coconut milk mixture, whisking gently.
- Stir in the ground Sizzling Organic cardamom, Sizzling Organic grated nutmeg, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Strain the Mixture:
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps or impurities. This ensures a smooth texture.
- Prepare the Steaming Dish:
- Grease a heatproof dish or ramekins lightly with oil or butter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and garnish with cashew halves.
- Steam the Watalappan:
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent water droplets from dripping in.
- Place the dish in a steamer or a large pot with a lid. Steam over medium heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the pudding is set.
- To check, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the watalappan cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra cashews if desired.
Baking in the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit
- Place the ramekin in a large dish and fill it half way with hot water. Cover the ramekin loosely with a foil
- Place the dish in the oven
- Bake for 30-40 minutes. You want the custard to set and the middle to be wobbly
- Remove from the oven and let it cool
- You can serve the Watalpapan as it is or garnish with roasted cashews when serving