Indri Appam | Kurisu Appam | Paalukurukku Appam | Pesaha Appam – Maundy Thursday Special
Indri Appam is a deeply symbolic and traditional dish prepared by the Christian community in Kerala on Maundy Thursday. This unleavened rice cake is more than just a food item – it’s a beautiful blend of faith, family, and age-old rituals passed down through generations.
A Holy Tradition Honouring the Last Supper
Maundy Thursday marks the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. Observe the evening with special prayers, scripture readings, and the ceremonial sharing of Pesaha Appam and Paalukurukku (a jaggery-coconut milk syrup). The eldest member of the family usually cuts the appam, beginning the symbolic remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice and humility.
The Symbol of the Cross – “Kurisu” Appam
The name Kurisu Appam comes from the small cross made with palm leaves or banana leaf strips and placed atop the steamed rice cake before cooking. This simple yet powerful symbol represents the crucifixion and reminds families of the spiritual meaning of the day. Do not ferment like the usual Kerala appams, signifying purity and devotion.
More Than Food – A Family Blessing
Indri Appam is prepared with utmost reverence. The process often involves reading Bible passages, family prayers, and a shared meal that brings the household together in quiet reflection. This Maundy Thursday tradition is a unique aspect of Kerala Christian culture, especially among the Syro-Malabar and Syrian Orthodox communities.
Indri Appam – A Must for Maundy Thursday
Whether you call it Pesaha Appam, or Paalukurukku Appam, this humble dish carries profound spiritual significance. If you’re exploring Kerala Maundy Thursday traditions, this is one recipe and ritual you can’t miss.
Indri Appam | Inri Appam | Kurisu Appam | Paalukurukku Appam | Pesaha Appam
Ingredients
Pesaha Appam:
Instructions
- Inri Appam:
- Grind urad dal well and add to rice flour.
- Grind coconut well with kunjulli and add this also to the flour.
- Grease preferably steel plates of medium round shape.
- Pour batter in one,and make a cross of palm leaf obtained on palm sunday on it.
- Steam till well done.
- Make all other appams same way but with no cross.
- Paalukurukku:
- Sarkkara urukkuka(molasses syrup) Take molasses and put the in a saucepan.
- Add some water and heat well.
- While boiling,a lather forms, this should be cleaned away.
- Add cumin and chukku(dried ginger).
- Seive this through a strainer and you can see lot of stones and dirt in it.
- The remaining liquid molasses can be kept in a container in the fridge for vey long time. 7)Take a heavy bottomed saucepan and add rice flour.
- Start to heat this mixture in medium heat.
- Stir continuously.
- As the sauce thickens(takes some time) add powdered cardamom,add palm leaf pieces and bring to a boil.
- Take off the stove before it thickens too much.
- :- Serve Indri Appam hot!!
Notes
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Health Mix | Healthy Evening Snack
Indri Appam | Inri Appam | Kurisu Appam | Paalukurukku Appam | Pesaha Appam
Health Mix | Healthy Evening Snack
Is cumin seeds and garlic not added to pesaha appam??
For pesaha appam we are using garlic and cumin seeds instead of kunjully. You can try with coconut milk also.
Add garlic pods instead kunjulli..