The mention of south Indian food immediately reminds us of comforting sambar, fluffy idlis, crispy dosa and vadas. Isn't it? Despite the wide array of delicacies that the cuisine offers, these handful delicacies are the one that captures our senses every single time. But if you move over the staples, you would find a variety of coconut-y curries, seafood delicacies, breads and desserts to nosh upon - yes, south Indian cuisine offers a gamut of decadent desserts too that can satiate our sweet tooth instantly.
From ghee-laden Mysore Pak to creamy rava kesari and to other traditional varieties of payasam, you are definitely in for a surprise as we bring to you some mouth-watering south Indian dessert recipes that you can try at home!
(Also Read: 10 Best South Indian Breads You Must Try)
Here Are 9 Of The Best South Indian Desserts That You Must Try:
1. Payasam
If the north pride about their age-old recipes for kheer, southern India has payasam for almost all auspicious occasions. The term 'payasam' is believed to have been derived from peeyusham which means nectar, payasa or payasam is also the Sanskrit word for milk. This bowl full of rice or vermicelli cooked in milk, sweetened and finished with a hearty addition of nuts and dry fruits is something you will not be able to resist! Click here for the recipe.
The term 'payasam' is believed to have been derived from peeyusham.
2. Mysore Pak
A delightful dish, prepared from gram flour and ghee, Mysore Pak is a hot favourite in the cuisine for anyone with a sweet tooth. With a crumbly yet melt-in-mouth texture and rich flavour, Mysore Pak is sure to get you hooked. Find the recipe here.
Mysore Pak is crumbly but has a melt-in-mouth texture.
3. Ariselu
A traditional sweet from Andhra, Ariselu is also known as Kajjaaya in Kannada, Anarsa in Marathi and Adhirasam in Tamil Nadu. Made with ground rice, jaggery and sesame seeds, this decadent dessert is a must-have on festive occasions such as Diwali and Sankranti. Click here for the recipe.
4. Ada Pradhaman
One of the most popular sweets during Onam in Kerala, Ada Pradhaman finds its place in the Sadya as a sweet end to it. The rice flour-based payasam brimming with the richness of ghee and jagger is sure to make you ask for a second serving! Find the full recipe here.
Ada Pradhaman is popular during Onam.
5. Ney Appam
A popular sweet treat during the Krishna Jayanthi celebrations in Tamil Nadu, Nei Appam or Uni Appam is a hearty combination of rice flour, jaggery and overripe bananas cooked in ghee. It is quite similar to sweet paniyarams. Click here for the full recipe.
It is a popular sweet during Krishna Jayanthi.
6. Madata Khaja
A traditional dessert from the state of Andhra, Madata Khaja is also known as Andhra chirotti because of its taste and texture. A simple recipe to try, it is simply made by dipping deep-fried flour balls in sugar syrup. Find the full recipe here.
7. Boorelu
Deep-fried, sweet balls symbolizing joy and festivities, Boorelu from Andhra are small sugary balls with a stuffing of Bengal gram, jaggery, coconut and cardamom that are dipped in a batter of dal and rice before deep-frying to perfect crisp! Click here for the recipe.
8. Kesari Bhaat
A staple across south Indian restaurant menus, kesari bhaat is made with rava (semolina), ghee, sugar and saffron into a mouth-watering, melt-in-mouth delicacy that will leave you drooling. Find the full recipe here.
A south Indian dessert you just can't miss.
9. Sakkarai Pongal
Pongal is a widely celebrated harvest festival in south Indian where people worship Surya right in the morning, cook a meal of milk and fresh rice and distribute amongst devotees. Pongal, the dish is made in various ways and Sakkarai Pongal is a sweet version that is loved across the region. A combination of green gram, rice and jaggery, this rich and wholesome dessert is a must-try! Click here for the full recipe.
Try these amazing south Indian desserts at home and share your experience with us in the comments section below.