Aval payasam

Payasam is a traditional recipe in south India. There are lot of varieties. Payasam is like pudding, but not so thick in consistency. Usually it is prepared with milk and sugar or brown sugar garnished with cashew and almonds.

My sister often do this. She is the one who thought me. A very easy and simple one. Perfect dessert for any time.

Ingredients:

• Aval (Flattened rice) - 1/2 cup
• Whole milk - 3 cups
• Evaporated milk - 1 cup
• Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Saffron - few strands (4 to 5)
• Ghee - 1 tsp

 Method:

Roast the aval in 1/2 tsp of ghee till aroma rises. Remove it and let it cool down. Then grind it dry, using a processor or blender. Do not powder finely, pulse it to tiny pieces.  Then roast cashews in another 1/2 tsp of oil.Keep aside Soak saffron in 1 tbsp of warm milk.

Boil milk in a sauce pan. Then add the powdered aval in milk gradually. Let it cook in a low flame.

After it is cooked, add sugar. Let it boil further for 10 minutes. Add the saffron soaked in milk and cashews. Can be served hot or cold.

Note:

• Instead of whole milk you can use half and half milk.
• You can avoid evaporated milk too.