Traditional South Indian Pal Payasam (Classic Rice Kheer)

Name: Traditional South Indian Pal Payasam (Classic Rice Kheer)
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Rice ((raw short-grain or basmati rice, rinsed and drained)); 1 liter Milk ((full-fat or whole milk)); 0.33 cup Sugar ((adjust to taste)); 1 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter) (to 2 tablespoons); 0.25 teaspoon Cardamom powder; 1 tablespoon Cashews ((optional)); 1 tablespoon Raisins ((optional))

by J_C • 2026

Why some badges are missing

Not vegan: Milk → try oat milk
Not dairy-free: Milk → try oat milk
Not nut-free: Cashews → try toasted sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds for crunch)
Not low-FODMAP: Milk → try lactose-free milk
Not low-histamine: Cashews
Not low-GI / diabetic-friendly: Rice → try cauliflower rice
Not kidney-friendly: Milk → try rice milk

Based on listed ingredients — always check labels for allergies.

About this recipe

A South Indian rice pudding made by simmering rice in milk until creamy, sweetened with sugar and perfumed with cardamom, then garnished with fried cashews and raisins, traditionally served during festivals like…

Prep

—

Cook

25m

Serves

Rating

—

Ingredients

Kitchen Help

Shopping list

3 tablespoons Rice — (raw short-grain or basmati rice, rinsed and drained)
1 liter Milk — (full-fat or whole milk)
0.33 cup Sugar — (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter) — to 2 tablespoons
0.25 teaspoon Cardamom powder
1 tablespoon Cashews — (optional)
1 tablespoon Raisins — (optional)

Tools

· thick-bottomed pan
· spoon

Instructions

Step by step

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a thick-bottomed pan.
2
Fry the cashews and raisins until golden and plump, then remove them and set aside.
3
In the remaining ghee, add the drained rice grains.
4
Sauté on low heat for about until fragrant, without browning the rice.
5
Pour in the full-fat milk and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring often to prevent sticking.
6
Lower the heat and simmer, covered or uncovered, until the rice grains are completely soft and mashed easily, and the milk thickens (about 20 to ). Stir frequently.
7
Stir in the sugar until it completely dissolves.
8
Simmer for another 2 to .
9
Turn off the heat and mix in the cardamom powder.
10
Top the payasam with the ghee-roasted cashews and raisins.
11
Serve warm or chilled.

Per serving

serves 4

Calories

367kcal

Protein

10.9g

Carbs

55.6g

Fat

11.1g

Fibre

0.6g

Sugar

22g

Sodium

118mg

AI estimate only — not medical advice. Figures are approximations based on standard ingredient data and may vary by brand, portion size and preparation. Always double-check if cooking for allergies, diabetes, or strict dietary needs.

Tagged

More Indian recipes →#Dessert #Holiday & Festive #diwali #Indian