Kheer (Payasam)
The word kheer is derived from kshira, which is a Sanskrit word for milk in North India. In South India, it is derived from the Sanskrit word payas, which means milk. Kheer is a milk-based Indian dessert recipe. Payasam is prepared for all festivals, from Makar Sankranti, which occurs in January, to Christmas, which occurs in December. Temple lunch or dinner, auspicious occasion meals always ends with payasam. Payasam is also one of the popularly offered prasadam and naivedyam (bhog) recipes. Among kheer, rice kheer, also known as rice payasam, chawal ki kheer or doodhpak, is popularly prepared for Varalaksmi vrat, Ram Navami, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami, Diwali etc. A second popular one is semiya payasam (seviyan kheer or vermicelli kheer), prepared mainly for Eid festivals, Raksha Bandhan, and Suttapunav. We then have sabudana kheer (javvarisi payasam) prepared on fasting, vrat, and upvas days like Navratri, Ekadashi, Sai Guruvar, etc. You can make kheer in an Instant Pot, stovetop, or pressure cooker. If you visit South Indian homes during festivals like Onam, Ugadi, and Ganesh chaturthi, you will see payasam made using lentils like moong dal or chana dal, and broken wheat, and these are known as paruppu, dal, paal, aval, palada or pasi paruppu payasam. This style of payasam is also called madgane or godshe in Konkani and payasa in Kannada. During festivals like Diwali, people get creative and create this sweet with vegetables like carrots, bottle gourd (lauki), dates or paneer (Indian cottage cheese). While you are here, check out traditional Indian sweets, Diwali mithai recipes, Navratri recipes.
Popular Payasam Recipes
Rice kheer
Sabudana kheer (Tapioca pudding)
Vermicelli payasam
Kheer with grains and dal
Payasam with fruits
Ingredients
Kheer or Payasam sweet is always made with four ingredientsRice: Traditionally, rice is used. Which can be substituted with broken wheat, moong dal, chana dal, poha, sabudana (sago), vermicelli, semolina (sooji rava), phool makhana, etc. Sweetener: Jaggery, sugar, condensed milk, anything can be used. Milk: Coconut milk or whole milk is popular. For a vegan version, you can substitute cashew or almond milk. Flavoring: Cardamom or, saffron or both. Optional: Dry fruits and nuts Did you like this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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