Payasam
Payasam, also known as kheer, is one of India’s most loved traditional desserts. From temple offerings to festive feasts, payasam holds a special place in Indian culture. Made using simple ingredients like milk, rice, jaggery, lentils, and nuts, each region of India has its own unique version of this sweet delight.
Here are some popular and delicious payasam recipes you can easily prepare at home.
🍚 1. Rice Payasam (Arisi Payasam)
Rice payasam is a classic dessert prepared with rice, milk, and sugar or jaggery. Slow cooking gives it a rich and creamy texture.
Ingredients:
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Rice
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Full cream milk
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Sugar or jaggery
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Cardamom powder
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Cashews & raisins
How to Prepare:
Cook rice until soft, simmer it in milk, add sweetener and cardamom, then garnish with ghee-roasted nuts.
Best for: Festivals, poojas, and family gatherings.
🍜 2. Semiya Payasam (Vermicelli Kheer)
This quick and tasty payasam is perfect when you need a dessert in minutes.
Ingredients:
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Vermicelli (semiya)
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Milk
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Sugar
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Ghee
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Cashews & raisins
How to Prepare:
Roast vermicelli in ghee, cook in milk, sweeten, and garnish with nuts.
Best for: Sudden guests & quick celebrations.
🌰 3. Moong Dal Payasam (Paruppu Payasam)
A South Indian festive favourite made using roasted moong dal and jaggery.
Ingredients:
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Moong dal
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Jaggery
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Coconut milk
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Cardamom
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Dry ginger
Taste: Rich, earthy and aromatic
Commonly prepared during: Pongal & temple festivals
🥥 4. Ada Pradhaman (Kerala Style Payasam)
This is a famous Kerala payasam prepared with rice flakes (ada), coconut milk and jaggery.
Speciality:
Slow cooked with thick coconut milk and flavoured with dry ginger and cumin.
Best for: Onam Sadhya & traditional feasts.
🍌 5. Banana Payasam
A naturally sweet and healthy payasam made using ripe bananas.
Ingredients:
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Ripe bananas
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Coconut milk or milk
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Jaggery
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Cardamom
Why try it?
No refined sugar and full of natural sweetness.
🌾 6. Millet Payasam (Healthy Option)
A modern twist to traditional payasam using millets like foxtail or little millet.
Benefits:
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High fibre
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Light on digestion
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Diabetic-friendly (with jaggery)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot for traditional taste
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Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert
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Garnish with roasted nuts & saffron
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Perfect after a festive meal or pooja
✨ Tips for Perfect Payasam
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Always roast dal or vermicelli for better flavour
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Use jaggery for authentic taste
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Add coconut milk at the end to avoid curdling
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Cook on low flame for creamy texture
🪔 Final Thoughts
Payasam is more than just a dessert – it’s a symbol of celebration, tradition, and togetherness. Whether you prefer classic rice payasam or modern millet variations, this sweet dish brings warmth and happiness to every occasion.
Try these delicious payasam recipes at home and enjoy the rich taste of Indian traditions.