Watalappam - Sri Lankan Coconut Custard

Watalappam is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery, and aromatic spices. This rich, creamy steamed custard is infused with cardamom and nutmeg, offering a delightful sweet treat.

Steps

1. Grate or chop jaggery into small pieces and dissolve it in a little warm water to make a syrup. 2. Beat the egg in a bowl until smooth. 3. Add the coconut milk, jaggery syrup, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, salt, and rosewater to the beaten egg. Mix well. 4. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps. 5. Pour the mixture into a small heatproof bowl. 6. Place the bowl in a steamer or a pot with a lid, adding water halfway up the side of the bowl. 7. Steam on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes or until the custard sets. 8. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 9. Garnish with chopped cashew nuts and raisins before serving.

150 ml thick coconut milk 50 g jaggery (or brown sugar as substitute) 1 egg 1/2 tsp cardamom powder 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder 1 tsp cashew nuts (chopped) 1 tsp raisins A pinch of salt 1 tsp rosewater (optional)