Payasam: The South Indian Version of Kheer that one cannot get enough of

Payasam to South is what Kheer is to North, same thing but different name and spices. It is the perfect example of how we all are different but at the end of the day humans, with little differences here and there. 

A bowl of warm and creamy payasam, with the fragrance of cardamom and saffron wafting up to your nose is a comforting delight in every South Indian household prior to any festival.  The first spoonful of the dessert is heavenly – the sweetness of the milk and sugar blend seamlessly with the softness of the rice, and the crunch of the nuts provides a perfect contrast. The slow-cooked rice, milk, and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, and then adding in aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon. The addition of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios provides a delightful crunch and texture to the dish that makes it a heavenly delight. 

This dish was originally created during the vedic period as a sacred offering to please the god. Overtime, humans got a hold of its taste and there is no going back ever since and it became famous throughout the Indian subcontinent with different regional variations of its own. 

Making payasam at home is simple and requires only a few ingredients. Here are the steps to make rice payasam:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts
• 1/4 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in water and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, boil the milk on medium heat and add the soaked rice.
3. Cook the rice in milk until it becomes soft and the milk thickens.
4. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves.
5. Add cardamom powder and saffron and mix well.
6. In a separate pan, heat ghee and fry the cashews and raisins until they turn golden brown.
7. Add the fried cashews and raisins to the payasam and mix well.
8. Serve hot or chilled.

Although this heavenly delight is irresistible, it is important to consume it in moderation as it is high in calories, sugar and saturated fats. It is recommended to enjoy payasam as an occasional treat rather than as a regular part of your diet.

Overall , It is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many forms. Whether you prefer it thick and creamy or light and refreshing, there is a payasam recipe to suit your taste. So, why not try making payasam at home today and indulge in this authentic Indian dessert?