Name: Authentic Kerala Paal Payasam Recipe (Milk Pudding)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Basmati Rice (for enhanced flavor. other short-grain rice can be substituted.); 3 pods Cardamom (green cardamom pods, also known as elaichi, lightly crushed.); 4-6 strands Saffron (for color and aroma. soak in 1 tbsp warm water for 15 minutes before using.); 1 ltr Milk (use full cream milk for the richest flavor and texture.); 200 grams Sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness level.); 1/4 cup Nuts; 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter, for roasting nuts (optional))

Authentic Kerala Paal Payasam Recipe (Milk Pudding)

55 minutes

723 reads

4 from 4 votes

South Indian

About Authentic Kerala Paal Payasam Recipe (Milk Pudding)

Indulge in the creamy delight of Paal Payasam, a beloved South Indian milk pudding cherished in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This traditional dessert boasts a rich, layered flavor profile achieved with fragrant spices and the perfect balance of sweetness. Our easy-to-follow recipe uses a pressure cooker for a faster, more convenient approach, without compromising the authentic taste.

Unlike lengthy traditional methods, this recipe significantly reduces cooking time while retaining the creamy texture and aromatic essence of authentic Paal Payasam. Perfect for festive occasions or a comforting treat any time, this recipe is your gateway to a taste of South Indian culinary heritage.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dessert – the perfect ending to any meal!

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Recipe Time & More

Prep5

Cook50

Total55

Calories491 kcal

Serves

Served AsBeverages

Recipe TasteCrunchy Savoury Sweet

Ingredients

Grains & Spices

▢ 1/2 cup Basmati Rice for enhanced flavor. other short-grain rice can be substituted.
▢ 3 pods Cardamom green cardamom pods, also known as elaichi, lightly crushed.
▢ 4-6 strands Saffron for color and aroma. soak in 1 tbsp warm water for 15 minutes before using.

Dairy & Sweetener

▢ 1 ltr Milk use full cream milk for the richest flavor and texture.
▢ 200 grams Sugar adjust to your preferred sweetness level.

Garnish (Optional)

▢ 1/4 cup Nuts chopped cashews, almonds, lightly roasted in ghee (clarified butter) for enhanced flavor., mixed, or your favorite nuts, pistachios
▢ 2 tbsp Ghee clarified butter, for roasting nuts (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Rice

Wash 1/2 cup basmati rice thoroughly. Grind the rinsed rice coarsely in a blender.

Pressure Cook the Payasam

Place the coarsely ground rice in a pressure cooker. Add 800ml of full-fat milk, saffron strands (soaked in warm water), and crushed cardamom pods.
Stir well, close the lid, and cook on high heat until the steam vents forcibly. Reduce heat to low, add the weight, and cook for 40 minutes. Switch off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.

Finishing Touches

Open the pressure cooker carefully. Add the remaining 200ml of milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the payasam thickens slightly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. If using, stir in the roasted nuts. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Paal Payasam

For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and let it come to a gentle simmer before adding the rice.
Soaking the saffron in warm water before adding it to the milk intensifies its color and aroma.
Adjust the sugar according to your preference. You can add more or less depending on the sweetness of your milk and sugar.
If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the rice and milk on the stovetop over low heat for a longer period, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning.