Rice Payasam | Rice Pudding Recipe | Sweet Rice Dessert | Indian Rice Dessert | Traditional Rice Dessert | Rice Kheer | Sweet Rice Pudding | Rice Dessert Recipe | South Indian Dessert | Easy Payasam Recipe
**Preparation Time:** 15 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6-8
**Introduction:**
Cashew Raisin Payasam, also known as Sweet Rice Pudding is a beloved dessert steeped in tradition and cherished for its comforting flavors. This delectable treat holds a special place in Indian Culinary heritage, symbolizing warmth, hospitality, and abundance. Join me on a journey as we explore the origins, cultural significance, health benefits, and step-by-step preparation of this timeless delicacy.
**History and Cultural Significance:**
Cashew Raisin Payasam traces its roots back t ancient Indian Culinary traditions, where it served as a staple dessert in homes, temples, and royal feasts. The word "payasam" derives from the Sanskrit word "payasa," meaning milk in nectar, highlighting its rich and creamy texture. Over the centuries, payasam has become an integral part of Indian festivals, rituals, and celebrations, symbolizing, prosperity, sweetness, and the joy of sharing. Its preparation varies across regions and communities, with each recipe reflecting unique ingredients, flavors, and culinary customs.
In South India, payasam holds particular significance, featuring prominently in religious ceremonies, weddings, and festive occasions. It is often offered as prasad (divine offering) in temples and shared among family and friends as a gesture of love and goodwill. The act of preparing and serving payasam fosters bonds and strengthens relationships, embodying the spirit of togetherness and hospitality that defines Indian Culture.
**Importance and Occasions:**
Cashew Raisin Payasam holds a special place in the hearts of millions, serving as a symbol of joy, abundance, and celebration. It is traditionally prepared during auspicious occasions such as weddings, childbirth ceremonies, and religious festivals like Diwali, Pongal, Navratri. The sight and aroma of simmering payasam evoke memories of family gatherings, festive feasts, and cherished moments shared with loved ones. It's comforting sweetness brings warmth to cold winter nights and solace during times of sorrow, making it a beloved dessert for all occasions.
**Who can Enjoy It:**
Cashew Raisin Payasam is a dessert that transcends age, gender, and cultural boundaries, delighting taste buds and warming hearts with its creamy goodness. Whether served to children after a long day at school. shared among friends during a festive feast, or savored by elders reminiscing about days gone by, this dessert brings smiles and satisfaction to all who partake in its indulgence. It's simple yet irresistible flavors appeal to food lovers of all ages, making it a timeless favorite in Indian households and beyond.
**Uses and Benefits of having this recipe:**
Apart from its delightful taste, Cashew Raisin Payasam offers plethora of health benefits, thanks to its nutritious ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Cashews, rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, provide a source of energy and promote heart health, while raisins offer natural sweetness and fiber, aiding in digestion and gut health. Jaggery, a traditional sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap, is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, providing iron, calcium, and other essential minerals. When combined with milk and rice, these ingredients create a nourishing and wholesome dessert that satisfies both the palate and the body.
**Ingredients:**
- Cashews - 10g
- Raisins - 10g
- Cardamom Powder - 1 tsp
- Ghee (clarified butter) - 3 tsp
-Milk - 1 liter
-Basmati rice/rice - 1 cup
- Jaggery - 1 cup (grated or powdered)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preparation:** Begin by gathering all the ingredients required for making Cashew Raisin Payasam. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water and soak it in water for about 30 minutes to soften.
2. **Preparation of Cashews and Raisins:** In a small skillet or kadai, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the cashews and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Once the cashews are fried, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the raisins and fry then until they plump up and become slightly golden in color. Remove the raisins from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Boiling Milk:** In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or kadai, pour the milk and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Allow the milk to simmer gently until it reduces slightly and thickens.
4. **Cooking Rice:** Drain the soaked rice and add it to boiling milk. Stir well to combine and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to cook in the milk, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it becomes soft and fully cooked. This process may take approximately 20-25 minutes.
5. **Sweetening with Jaggery:** Once the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, add the grated or powdered jaggery to the saucepan. Stir well until the jaggery dissolves completely into the rice and milk mixture, imparting its rich sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
6.**Final Flavoring:** In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 teaspoons of ghee over low heat. Add the cardamom powder to the melted ghee and stir well to combine. Pour this fragrant mixture into the rice pudding and mix thoroughly to infuse the flavors.
7. **Adding Cashews and Raisins:** Finally, add the fried cashews and raisins to the rice pudding, reserving a small portion for garnish if desired. Stir well to distribute the nuts and raisins evenly throughout the pudding, adding a delightful crunch and burst of sweetness to each bite.
8. **Serving:** Your aromatic and flavorful Cashew Raisin Payasam is now ready to be served hot or chilled, according to your preference. Ladle the pudding into individual servings bowls and garnish with a few reserved cashews and raisins for an extra touch of elegance.
**Cooking Tips:**
- Soaking the rice before cooking helps to soften it and reduce the cooking time.
-Frying the cashews and raisins in ghee enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the pudding.
-Be sure to stir the milk and rice mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan and burning.
-Adjust the quantity of jaggery according to your taste preferences and th sweetness of the jaggery used. You can also use sugar as a substitute for jaggery if desired.
-For a richer flavor, you can add a few strands of saffron or a splash of rose water to the pudding along with the cardamom-infused ghee.
**Nutritional Information:**
*(Per Serving)*
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 20g
In final words, Cashew Raisin Payasam is more than just a dessert; it's a timeless tradition that embodies the spirit of togetherness, celebration, and sweetness. From its humble origins in Indian Kitchens to its place on festive tables around the world, this indulgent treat continues to bring joy and satisfaction to all who savor its creamy goodness. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or as a comforting dessert on a cold winter's night, Cashew Raisin Payasam is sure to leave a lasting impression with its rich flavors and cultural significance. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of this delightful dessert, and savor the taste of tradition and togetherness with every the spoonful.
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