Pal Payasam/Milk Payasam

Pal Payasam/Milk Payasam

Ingredients 

1. Milk 61/2 cups

2. Water 4 cups

3. Long grain basmati rice 3 tbsp plus 1/2 tsp

4. Sugar 1 cup

Method Of Preparation 

1. In a heavy bottomed pot, add milk & water.

2. Let it come to a boil on a low flame.

3. In the meantime, wash the basmati rice & set it aside.

4. When the milk in the pot comes to a boil add the rice. 

5. On a low flame, let the rice in the milk get cooked & at the same time, the milk will keep boiling & it will condense & reduce in volume. Keep stirring occasionally.

6. When the milk reduces to 1/3rd or 1/4th of its original quantity, you will see a very light brown shade(see pic) & you will get a very nice aroma from the milk. That is when you know that your payasam is done.

7. At this point, add sugar & stir well & cook for another two minutes & turn off the flame.

8. Serve hot.

Notes

1. Pal payasam needs to be served as such without any kind of garnish.

2. The whole process of cooking is done on a low to a very low flame with occasional stirring.

3. White sugar can be replaced with brown.

4. The aroma & the color changes after the condensation of the milk & that is when your payasam tastes the best. You will not get the authentic smell & taste if you do not let the milk condense.

5. Do not add more rice than the said quantity. If you add too much rice, when the payasam is done, it will be a porridge & not payasam :)