Seem Paal Recipe – Steamed Colostrum Milk Pudding
A traditional Indian dessert, Seem Paal is a delicious steamed pudding made from fresh colostrum (early milk), jaggery (or sugar), and cardamom. This dessert is light, nutritious, and packed with a deep, rich flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Often prepared in rural Indian households, it is commonly served as a sweet finish to a hearty meal. Let’s walk through this unique and wholesome recipe.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colostrum (early milk) | 3 cups | Fresh, from the first milk of a cow or buffalo |
| Jaggery or Sugar | 1 cup | You can use jaggery for a more authentic taste or white sugar for sweetness |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods or 1 tsp powder | Ground or whole, adds aroma and flavor |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~3g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugars | ~22g |
| Calcium | ~90mg |
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate, based on general estimates for colostrum and jaggery.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 5
Step-by-Step Instructions
To create this unique and nutritious Seem Paal, follow these simple steps for a delightful dessert.
-
Prepare the Steamer:
Start by adding water to the base of an idli or steam steamer. Make sure the water level is below the steaming plate so it doesn’t touch the bowl you’ll be using for the pudding. Place a small plate or stand at the bottom of the steamer to keep the pudding bowl elevated. -
Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
In a wide, shallow bowl that fits comfortably inside the steamer, pour the fresh colostrum milk. Add in the jaggery or sugar along with the cardamom seeds (either ground or whole). Stir everything together thoroughly until the jaggery or sugar has fully dissolved in the milk. -
Steam the Seem Paal:
Place the bowl with the milk mixture into the steamer. Cover the steamer and let it steam for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know the pudding is ready when it firms up like a custard or pudding, and it no longer has a liquid consistency. -
Cool and Set:
Once the pudding has set, switch off the steamer and leave the bowl in the steamer for a few minutes to allow it to cool slightly. This helps the Seem Paal maintain its shape. -
Serve the Seem Paal:
After letting it cool for a while, gently run a knife along the edges of the pudding. Carefully invert the bowl onto a serving plate, allowing the Seem Paal to slide out easily. If you wish, you can garnish the dessert with a sprinkle of cardamom or even a few crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Seem Paal is best served as a dessert after a delicious meal. For a wholesome, traditional meal pairing, consider serving it alongside:
- Karnataka Style Avarekalu Pulao: A flavorful rice dish with field beans and aromatic spices.
- Karuvepillai Pachadi (Curry Leaf Raita): A tangy and refreshing yogurt-based side dish with curry leaves.
- South Indian Style Green Moong Sprouts, Raw Mango Salad: A crunchy, tangy salad that offers a burst of flavors with raw mango, green moong sprouts, and a simple dressing.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute Jaggery with Sugar: If you prefer, you can replace jaggery with sugar, but jaggery imparts a richer flavor and is traditionally used in Indian desserts.
- Use a Non-Stick Bowl: To make it easier to remove the Seem Paal from the bowl after steaming, consider using a non-stick bowl.
- Add Saffron: For an extra touch of flavor and color, infuse some saffron strands in warm milk and add it to the colostrum milk mixture before steaming.
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different flavorings such as nutmeg or a hint of vanilla extract for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Conclusion
Seem Paal is a comforting, nutritious, and satisfying dessert that brings together the goodness of fresh colostrum, the warmth of jaggery, and the aromatic cardamom. Its creamy, pudding-like texture makes it a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Whether you’re serving it as part of a traditional Indian feast or as a simple after-meal dessert, this sweet treat is sure to win hearts. Enjoy the indulgence of Seem Paal in every bite!
Let us know how you enjoyed making Seem Paal, or share your version of this recipe with us in the comments below. Happy cooking!
