Payasam - Kheer

PAYASAM ORIGINAL 12TH CENTURY RECIPE (From the Manasollasa)

(source)

"In the middle of the meal, the king should take well cooked payasam made of rice, milk, sugar."

MODERN RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• Heaping 1/2 Cup (100g) Small Grain Rice
• 1 Quart (1 Liter) Whole Milk
• 1 Cup (150g) Grated Jaggery OR 1/2 Cup (100g) Sugar
• 5 Cardamom Pods (or 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom)
• 10-15 Saffron Threads

METHOD

1. Wash and soak the rice for 20 - 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and set over medium heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low and add in your drained rice and stir. Allow to boil for 15 minutes stirring every few minutes so the rice does not burn.
3. Once the rice is soft enough to be easily mashed between your fingers, add the jaggery or sugar and the spices and mix until incorporated. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and allow to cool before serving.