Payasam: A Sweet Dessert with a Rich History and Recipe
Discover the rich history and ingredients of payasam, a popular sweet dessert in India, and learn how to make it with this easy recipe
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Payasam, also known as kheer or payesh, is a sweet dessert that originated in India and is popular across different regions and cultures. It is typically made with milk, sugar, and a variety of grains, such as rice, vermicelli, or tapioca pearls. The dish is often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts like cashews, almonds, and raisins.
The history of payasam can be traced back to ancient India, where it was considered a sacred dish and was offered to the gods during religious ceremonies. The dish was also a favorite of the Mughal emperors, who refined the recipe by adding new ingredients like saffron and rosewater.
To make payasam, you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice or vermicelli
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp of cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron
- 2 tbsp of ghee
- A handful of chopped nuts like cashews, almonds, and raisins
Instructions:
- Wash the rice or vermicelli thoroughly and drain the water.
- Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan and fry the nuts until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the rice or vermicelli and sauté it for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden brown.
- Add milk to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice or vermicelli is cooked and the mixture thickens.
- Add sugar and mix well until it dissolves.
- Add cardamom powder and saffron, and stir well.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
- Garnish with the fried nuts and serve warm or chilled.
Payasam is a versatile dish that can be made in many variations, depending on the ingredients used. It is an integral part of many festivals and celebrations in India and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
