Delicious and Traditional Payasam Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup Basmati Rice
5 cups Whole Milk
2 cups Sugar
1/2 cup Ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 cup Cashews
1/2 cup Raisins
1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder
1/4 cup Almonds, slivered for garnishing (optional)
1/4 cup Pistachios, slivered for garnishing (optional)

Steps and instructions

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and set aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the rice.
Allow the rice to cook in the milk, stirring frequently, for about 40-50 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the milk has thickened to a creamy consistency.
In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add in the cashews and raisins and fry them until they become golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan with the remaining ghee, add the sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Add this sugar mixture to the cooked rice and milk, stirring well to combine.
Stir in the fried cashews, raisins, and cardamom powder.
Let the payasam cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Payasam thickens as it cools, so if you prefer a thinner consistency, you may add a little more milk.
Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios before serving.

Tools for making

Large, heavy-bottomed pot - A large pot with a heavy bottom is ideal for cooking the payasam as it helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching.
Separate pan - A separate pan is needed for frying the cashews and raisins in ghee.
Stirring spoon - A long-handled spoon or spatula is necessary for stirring the rice and milk mixture while it cooks.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring the rice, milk, sugar, and ghee.
Knife - A knife is needed for slivering the almonds and pistachios for garnishing.

Recipe variations

Use jaggery or brown sugar instead of white sugar for a different sweetness and flavor.
Add a tablespoon of rose water or a few saffron strands for a fragrant twist.
Replace the basmati rice with other types of rice like jasmine rice or broken wheat for a different texture.
Try using coconut milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
Add a tablespoon of grated coconut or coconut flakes for added richness and flavor.
Include a handful of cooked vermicelli noodles for a variation in texture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon powder for a warm and aromatic flavor.
Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits like pistachios, almonds, dried apricots, or cranberries for a unique combination.
For a vegan option, substitute ghee with vegetable oil or vegan butter.
To make it more indulgent, melt dark chocolate and swirl it into the payasam before serving.

Recipe overview

Payasam is a popular South Indian sweet dish usually served at festivals and special occasions. This delicious dessert is made from basmati rice, milk, sugar, and ghee, and is often garnished with nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios. This recipe will guide you through making traditional payasam at home with simple, step-by-step instructions. Expect to spend about an hour cooking and preparing, resulting in a creamy, rich, and aromatic dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. The end result is a comforting sweet dish, best enjoyed warm or cold, and is perfect to wrap up any meal. Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary experience with this traditional Indian dessert!

Common questions

Can I use any other type of rice? You can use other types of rice, but basmati rice is traditionally used for payasam as it adds a distinct flavor and texture to the dish.
Can I use low-fat milk? Yes, you can use low-fat milk, but keep in mind that the payasam may not be as rich and creamy in texture.
Can I substitute the ghee? Ghee adds a unique taste to the payasam, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or a neutral cooking oil like vegetable oil.
What if I don't have cashews or raisins? Cashews and raisins add texture and flavor to the payasam, but you can omit them if you don't have them on hand. You can also substitute them with other nuts or dried fruits.
Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can make a vegan version of payasam by using plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk and substituting ghee with a vegan butter or coconut oil.
How long can I store the payasam? Payasam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot - A pot with a thick base that helps in even heat distribution and prevents burning.
Pan - A pan for frying cashews and raisins.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring the payasam while it cooks.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Garnishing Tools - Tools like slotted spoons or tongs for garnishing with slivered almonds and pistachios.

Origin stories

Payasam, the delectable Indian dessert, hails from the southern region of India and is essentially a part of every festival, wedding, and special occasion. The word 'payasam' is derived from 'payasa,' which means 'milk' in Sanskrit, signifying the dish's milk-based nature. The unique aspect of this sweet delight is its versatility, as it varies from region to region with various ingredients and methods. In the olden days, it was customary to cook payasam in a 'uruli' (a traditional cookware made of bell metal) and it was believed that the dish absorbs the positive vibes of the environment when cooked in an open space. Hence, payasam carries with it not just an aromatic flavor and taste but also a cultural and traditional significance. It's not just a dessert, but a dish filled with love, warmth, and blessings.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.