Delicious Paal Payassam - A South Indian Rice Pudding

By Author: Jivana Somaiya
Total Articles: 1
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In a world where sweet often translates to dental decay and excess pounds, India's culinary treasures stand as a beacon of health and flavor. Enter Paal Payassam, a revered blend of milk, rice, and dry nuts, hailing from southern India. This dish, akin to the famous Kheer in the north, showcases the heartwarming essence of Indian desserts.

Ingredients:

2 liters Full-Fat Milk
2 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter)
1 Cinnamon Stick
Cashew nuts, Almonds, and Raisins (Chopped)
2-3 tsp chemical free Jaggery
1 tsp Cardamom Powder
3-4 threads Saffron for garnishing
Instructions:

Step 1: Simmering the Milk

Begin by boiling the full-fat milk in a deep pan until it reduces to half its original volume. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Infusing Ghee and Nuts
2. In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium or low heat. Once warmed, introduce chopped cashews, almonds, and raisins, reserving the raisins for later.

Step 3: Rice and Jaggery Addition
3. As the milk simmers, introduce the soaked and washed Basmati rice, continuing to stir the mixture ...
... over medium flame. Once the rice blends seamlessly into the milk, incorporate Jivana Jaggery. Mix well.

Step 4: Flavors and Aromas
4. Achieving the desired consistency, add the infused dry fruits into the mixture. Next, sprinkle the magic of cardamom powder for an aromatic twist. Stir with care.

Step 5: A Royal Garnish
5. Elevate the dish with saffron threads, creating a visual delight. Let the threads infuse their essence into the pudding.

Serving Your Paal Payassam:
Serve the warm and delightful Paal Payassam to your dear ones, and watch their faces light up with joy. Whether a festive occasion like Onam or Pongal, or simply as an indulgent evening treat, this rice-based pudding holds a special place in Southern India's culinary legacy.

Note:
As versatile as it is sumptuous, Paal Payassam transcends the boundaries of dessert, often becoming a satisfying meal in itself. This dish proves that Indian sweets can offer not just flavor, but also nourishment, making it a cherished choice for those seeking wholesome indulgence.