Creamy Coconut Rice Kheer (Thengai Arisi Payasam): A South Indian Delight

1 hour 5 minutes

855 reads

4.50 from 4 votes

About Creamy Coconut Rice Kheer (Thengai Arisi Payasam): A South Indian Delight

Transport yourself to the vibrant celebrations of South India with the captivating aroma of Coconut Rice Kheer, lovingly known as Thengai Arisi Payasam in Tamil Nadu. Imagine creamy, cooked rice mingling with the sweet nuttiness of fresh coconut and the warm embrace of jaggery, all delicately spiced with cardamom.
This traditional dessert, enriched with ghee-roasted nuts and raisins, offers a unique depth of flavor thanks to the jaggery – a delightful departure from sugar-sweetened versions. Perfect for festive occasions or a simple moment of indulgence, it's surprisingly easy to prepare.
Share a bowl of this comforting kheer with loved ones and create memories that will linger long after the last spoonful. This authentic recipe is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone wanting more.
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Healthy Eating, Kids Tiffin, PCOS and Weight loss meals, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹299.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep40 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total1 hour 5 minutes
Calories554 kcal
Serves3
Perfect ForLunch

Ingredients
 

For the Kheer

For the Garnish

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • Wash the raw rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly and achieve a creamy texture. Drain the rice.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked and drained rice, freshly grated coconut, and a small amount of water. Blend until a smooth paste forms. Set this mixture aside.
  • In a saucepan, heat ½ cup of water and add the jaggery. Stir until the jaggery dissolves completely. Remove from heat.
  • Strain the jaggery syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities. This ensures a smooth and refined kheer. Set the strained syrup aside.
  • In a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan, combine the rice-coconut paste with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning. The mixture will thicken as the rice cooks.
  • Once the rice-coconut mixture has reached a medium-thick consistency, add the strained jaggery syrup. Stir well to combine.
  • Continue to simmer the kheer over low heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
  • In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cashews and roast until golden brown. Add the raisins and sauté until they plump up. This adds a delicious nutty flavor and textural contrast to the kheer.
  • Add the roasted cashews and raisins to the kheer. Stir in the cardamom powder.
  • Allow the kheer to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes. If using, gently stir in the boiled and cooled milk. Adding the milk after cooling prevents curdling. The milk enhances the richness and creaminess of the kheer.
    Creamy Coconut Rice Kheer (Thengai Arisi Payasam): A South Indian Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Serve the Coconut Rice Kheer warm or chilled. It's a perfect ending to any meal.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For an extra creamy texture, soak the rice for 30 minutes before grinding or cooking, or use a mix of basmati and short-grain rice for subtle variations in mouthfeel.
  • To prevent the jaggery from curdling the milk, always melt and strain the jaggery separately, then add it to the kheer off the heat or after the mixture has cooled slightly.
  • For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with thick coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of ghee for sautéing the nuts and raisins.
  • Garnish with a mix of fried cashews, almonds, and a sprinkle of edible dried rose petals for a festive presentation and a hint of floral aroma.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the sweetness of the kheer by varying the amount of jaggery. Taste and adjust as needed.
  • Infuse the milk with cardamom pods or a cinnamon stick while simmering for a warm, aromatic flavor.
  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk or a combination of milk and cream.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover kheer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat before serving.
Explore Recipes by Tags dessert recipesindian recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.50 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 554kcalCarbohydrates: 93gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 16mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 3gSugar: 71gVitamin A: 33IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 2mg

Charus Cuisine
Charus Cuisine

I have thru’ my eKitchen attempted to present variety of vegetarian recipes of Karnataka and I will keep building the same for your benefit. I will also be adding more North Indian recipes. Being a pure vegetarian, I have included only vegetarian recipes.

Articles: 100
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

4 Comments

4.50 from 4 votes

Leave a Reply