Poha Kheer/Aval Payasam/Beaten Rice Dessert

Payasam is it everyone's favourite especially in Hindu community. When it comes to festival and celebration, payasam is a must. Whether you are planning for celebration or special prayers, payasam always take the center on the dessert table. No banana leaf meals are complete without payasam. I always save a little portion of my tummy for the payasam whenever i have my banana leaf meal. I love the idea of making aval payasam, easy to make in less than 5 minutes just by adding the ingredients available in the kitchen.  Handy when an unexpected guest drops by dish out to them the aval payasam, they are in for a real treat


Ingredients

1/2 cup Poha/Aval/Beaten Rice
2 tbsp ghee
3 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
2 tbsp golden raisins
4-5 tbsp chopped cashew nuts
Pinch of saffron strands
Pinch of salt


Methods

In a saucepan, heat ghee in a medium to low heat and fry the raisins for 30 seconds. Keep aside. Fry the cashew nuts for 30 seconds. Keep aside

In the same pan, roast poha for 1-2 minutes. Keep aside. Add milk to the pan and bring it to boil, add poha, sugar, salt and saffron strands, stir well. Cook for 3-4 minutes or till the milk slightly thickened and the sugar completely dissolved

Add fried cashews,raisins and cardamom powder and stir till well combined. Remove from heat

Serve warm or chilled


Notes

• Adding a pinch of salt to the payasam brings out a great flavour and add taste to the bland poha. Most people omit to add salt to their payasam. You can opt not to add salt but adding those little pinch of salt will make a lot of difference in this dish