Discover the delightful flavors of Tamil Nadu with this comforting dessert that combines the creamy richness of milk and the unique texture of flattened rice, known as poha. Aval Payasam is a traditional sweet treat that evokes warmth and nostalgia, perfect for any occasion or as a simple indulgence after a meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1½ liters |
| Poha (Flattened rice) – thick aval | ½ cup |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) – optional | 1 pinch |
| Cashew nuts – halved | ¼ cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 20g |
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine |
|---|
| Tamil Nadu |
Course
| Course |
|---|
| Dessert |
Diet
| Diet |
|---|
| Vegetarian |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cashews: Begin the Aval Payasam by heating 1 teaspoon of ghee in a small pan over low heat. Add the halved cashew nuts and roast them gently until they become crisp and turn a light golden color. Once roasted, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool.
-
Wash the Poha: Take the thick flattened rice (aval) and wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. After washing, drain the water and set the poha aside for later use.
-
Boil the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the 1½ liters of milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low.
-
Add the Poha: Carefully add the washed poha to the boiling milk, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the milk thickens and the poha becomes soft and fully cooked.
-
Sweeten the Payasam: Once the poha is cooked and the milk has thickened, add in the ½ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder, and a pinch of cinnamon powder if using. Stir well to combine and continue to simmer for another few minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved.
-
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish your Aval Payasam with the roasted cashew nuts. This delightful dessert can be served either hot or chilled, depending on your preference.
-
Enjoy: Serve the Aval Payasam as a delicious dessert that is sure to please your family and friends, embodying the essence of comfort food.
Aval Payasam is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a delightful dish that warms the heart. This recipe is perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet ending to any meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and smooth textures of this traditional Tamil Nadu treat!