Mango Payasam Recipe (Mambazha Payasam – Onam Festival Special)
Mango Payasam, also known as Mambazha Payasam, is a traditional dessert celebrated during the Onam Festival in Kerala. This indulgent yet wholesome dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes with the richness of milk, jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom and dry ginger powder. A delightful mixture of broken rice, dry fruits, and nuts makes this dessert the perfect way to complete your festive Onam meal. With its creamy consistency, balanced sweetness, and vibrant color, Mango Payasam is sure to become a favorite for your family too. The recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a unique taste that blends traditional flavors with the freshness of mangoes.
Whether served warm or chilled, Mango Payasam adds a touch of festive joy to any meal. This Onam, surprise your loved ones with this special treat that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients for Mango Payasam (Mambazha Payasam)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Mango | 1, peeled and cut |
| Jaggery | 1/2 cup |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 2 liters |
| Broken Raw Rice | 1/4 cup, washed and drained |
| Cashew Nuts | 10, roughly broken |
| Sultana Raisins | 10 |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 25g |
Instructions for Making Mango Payasam (Mambazha Payasam)
-
Prepare the Mango Puree
Begin by making a smooth puree of the mangoes. In a mixer jar, blend the ripe mangoes along with 1 cup of milk, jaggery, cardamom powder, and dry ginger powder until smooth. Set aside. -
Cook the Rice and Milk
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the remaining milk and washed broken rice. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should cook and soften completely. -
Combine Mango Puree and Rice
Once the rice is soft and the milk has thickened, add the mango puree into the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate the puree with the rice and milk mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the payasam to thicken further. If needed, check for sweetness and add more jaggery according to taste. -
Prepare the Ghee Tadka (Tempering)
In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over low heat. Add the cashew nuts and roast them until they turn lightly golden. Add the sultana raisins to the pan and sauté for a few more seconds, ensuring the raisins swell slightly. Once done, pour this ghee mixture into the simmering payasam, stirring it in to infuse the flavors. -
Serve the Mango Payasam
Once the payasam is ready, transfer it to a serving bowl. Mango Payasam can be enjoyed either hot or chilled, depending on your preference. For the Onam festival, it is traditionally served along with a Kerala-style Onam Sadya meal, but it can also be paired with other delicious Kerala dishes like Kerala Avial and Steamed Rice.
Tips for the Perfect Mango Payasam
- Choosing Mangoes: Use sweet and ripe mangoes like Alphonso or Kesar for the best flavor.
- Jaggery Substitution: If you don’t have jaggery, you can use brown sugar or regular sugar as an alternative.
- Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with coconut milk and use plant-based ghee.
- Customize with Dry Fruits: Feel free to add almonds, pistachios, or any other nuts of your choice for extra crunch and flavor.
Why You Should Try Mango Payasam (Mambazha Payasam)
Mango Payasam is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors. The combination of mango, milk, and jaggery brings both nostalgia and freshness to the table. This recipe is simple, yet it captures the essence of Kerala’s traditional Onam festival. Whether you are hosting a grand Onam feast or looking for a sweet end to a regular meal, Mango Payasam will surely leave everyone craving for more.
Enjoy this traditional dessert, and may it bring warmth and joy to your celebrations!
Enjoy the festive magic of Mango Payasam this Onam, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
