Avocado Ada Pradhaman (With Vegan Option)
Avocado Ada Pradhaman is a delightful South Indian dessert that combines the richness of avocados with the traditional flavors of Ada Pradhaman, a classic Kerala dish. Made with rice ada (a type of rice pasta), coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic spices, this creamy dessert is a true treat for the senses. In this recipe, we’ve added an avocado twist to bring in a unique texture and a touch of healthy fats. This recipe is versatile, offering a vegan option that substitutes milk with coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For Traditional Version (With Dairy):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice ada (readymade) | 1/3 cup |
| Ripe avocados | 2 |
| Brown sugar (Demerara sugar) | 1/2 cup |
| Cashew nuts | 1/2 tbsp |
| Almonds (Badam) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Saffron strands | A generous pinch |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) pods/seeds | 1/4 tsp |
| Kesar milk masala | 1/4 tsp |
For Vegan Option (Dairy-Free):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice ada (readymade) | 1/3 cup |
| Ripe avocados | 2 |
| Brown sugar (Demerara sugar) | 1/2 cup |
| Cashew nuts | 1/2 tbsp |
| Almonds (Badam) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Coconut milk or almond milk | 2 cups |
| Saffron strands | A generous pinch |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) pods/seeds | 1/4 tsp |
| Kesar milk masala | 1/4 tsp |
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4 people
Course:
- Dessert
Cuisine:
- South Indian
Diet:
- Vegetarian (Can be made Vegan)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ada
- Start by washing the ready-made rice ada thoroughly under water to remove any dust or impurities.
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add the rice ada into the boiling water and cook it for about 15 minutes, keeping the lid on. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocados
- While the ada is cooking, take your ripe avocados and cut them in half.
- Twist them to separate the halves and carefully remove the seed.
- Scoop out the flesh of the avocados and place it in a blender.
- If you’re preparing a vegan version, you can add the pulp of one more avocado to enrich the texture and taste.
- If using dairy, blend the avocado pulp with milk (or coconut milk for a vegan option) and a pinch of saffron. If you’re using the vegan option, blend with plant-based milk (such as coconut or almond milk).
- Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Transfer the blended avocado mixture into a saucepan.
- Add water (about 3 cups) to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
- By this time, the ada should be fully cooked. Drain any excess water from the ada if necessary.
- Mix the cooked rice ada into the avocado mixture and allow it to cook on low heat. Stir constantly to prevent the ada from sticking to the bottom or burning.
- Once it starts to bubble gently, add brown sugar and stir well.
- Keep stirring at regular intervals (every 1 or 2 minutes) to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly and the mixture doesn’t stick.
- When the avocado ada pradhaman begins to thicken and the ada is fully cooked, add cardamom and kesar milk masala. Stir in the spices for an extra layer of fragrance and flavor.
- Let it boil for another 5–8 minutes on low-medium heat until the consistency reaches a creamy pudding-like texture.
Step 4: Tadka (Tempering)
- In a small pan (Tadka pan), add ghee (or coconut oil for a vegan version).
- Once the ghee melts, add cashews and almonds and sauté until they turn golden and crisp.
- Remove the cashews and almonds and set them aside.
Step 5: Serve
- Pour the avocado ada pradhaman into serving bowls and garnish generously with the fried cashews and almonds.
- This dish can be served hot or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and Thatta Payaru Sambar (Black Eyed Beans Sambar) for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Vegan Tip: For the vegan version, simply replace dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use coconut oil or vegan ghee for tempering.
- Consistency Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it cook for a few more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a little more water or milk (vegan or regular) to adjust the texture to your liking.
- Sweetness Level: The sweetness of this dish can be adjusted by varying the amount of brown sugar according to your taste. You can also substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~250-300 kcal (depending on the use of ghee or coconut oil)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g (with ghee)
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 18g (from brown sugar and avocado)
- Sodium: 10-20mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Avocado Ada Pradhaman is a luxurious, creamy dessert that brings a modern twist to a traditional South Indian favorite. The addition of avocado gives the dish a smooth texture, healthy fats, and a slight richness, making it both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a festive meal, this dessert will surely leave your guests impressed. Plus, the vegan option ensures that everyone can enjoy this treat regardless of dietary preferences.
Serve this Avocado Ada Pradhaman with a side of warm steamed rice and sambar for a complete South Indian meal experience. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every spoonful!
