Coconut Custard (Sri Watalappan)

srilankan-watalappan Sri Lankan Watalappan is a delicious dessert that is like a creamy coconut custard. It is topped with cashew nuts. What makes this dessert so special is the use of kithul jaggery. This special jaggery comes from the fishtail palm in Sri Lanka. This brown like sugar has an amazing caramel like taste that is floral, woody, smoky and even savoury. It is no surprise that this is beloved all throughout Sri Lanka. You could probably substitute brown sugar and molasses, but if you can get the jaggery, I highly recommend it. You can make the recipe in a large dish or individual serving ramekins.

5 large eggs
kithul jaggery (250 g)
2 Tbsp. water
1 cup coconut milk
¼ tsp. cardamom powder
pinch kosher or sea salt

Garnish:
roasted cashews

Shave the jaggery using a sharp knife, peeler or grate.

Heat a pan to medium heat, add the grated jaggery or sugar along with 2 Tbsp. of water. Cook until dissolved.

Take the pan off heat and let it cool.

Whisk the coconut milk into the sugar syrup. Whisk the eggs, with a pinch of salt and cardamom powder in a separate bowl. Add the coconut milk mixture to the eggs and whisk until just combined. Do not over whisk.

Strain the mixture through a sieve and discard any solids.

Pour into 6 (½ cup) ramekins. Take care not to over fill the ramekins as the watalappan will rise slightly during the cooking process.

Stove Top Steaming:
Place the ramekins in a large pot and fill the pot with water so that half of the dish is submerged in water. Cover and seal the lid. Steam for 30 minutes for the ramekins.

Instant Pot:
Place the steaming insert in Instant Pot and add 2 cups of water. Place the ramekins on the insert. Close the lid and put the vent in sealing position. Steam for 15 minutes. Once done, use a mitt to release the pressure by turning the vent. Take out the ramekins and let it cool.

Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the ramekins in a large dish and fill it half way with hot water. Cover the ramekins loosely with a foil.

Place the dish in the oven.

Bake for 30-40 minutes. You want the custard to be set.

Remove from the oven and let it cool.

You can serve the watalappan as it is, or chill for a few hours.

Garnish with roasted cashews when serving.

Makes 6 servings.