Semiya Payasam/ Vermicelli Kheer/ Dessert - Onam Sadhya Vibhavangal 12

Wishing all my readers a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi! 

Let's celebrate with kheer today.Semiya Payasam is one of my favorite kheers. For Onam Sadhya two types of payasams/ pradhamans  are served - one is milk based and the other jaggery based. Milk based kheer called payasams are made from vermicelli/ rice/ rice chips.Pradhamans are usually made with jaggery and coconut milk. Pradhamans are of different types like Palada pradhaman (rice chips), Pazha pradhaman (Nendra banana), Gothambu pradhaman (wheat), Parippu pradhaman (dal), Chakka pradhaman (jackfruit).

Semiya Payasam is the easiest of the desserts. It is served as the last course for sadhya. It tastes best when served on the banana leaves. Yummmm.. I like it that way rather than having it in cups. Try it next time and you will know the difference. :)

INGREDIENTS

Vermicelli - 175 gms

Sugar - 1 1/2 cup

Milk - 1 litre

Ghee - 2 tbsp + for roasting nuts

Cashew nuts - 1/4 cup

Raisins - 12

Rose water - 8ml

METHOD

Heat ghee in a pan.

Roast the vermicelli till golden brown.

Side by side boil milk along with sugar. 

Add the boiled milk to the semolina and let cook on low flame.

When cooked remove from flame.

Roast the cashew and raisins in ghee and add to the payasam.

Add rose water.

Serve hot.

Tips: 

Add 1 cup sugar first and then add more if required as per taste.

Add rose water only after all the cooking is over.

There should be enough milk above the payasam when you remove from heat. The payasam thickens as it cools. Add more milk if you like it thin.

Roast the cashews first and when it turns golden brown add raisins.

If you would like to see other Onam Sadhya recipes please click on the links below :

1.    Puli Ingi
2.    Olan
3.    Kalan
4.    Pineapple Pachadi
5.    Kumbalanga Pachadi
6.    Beetroot Achar
7.    Koottu-Curry
8.    Avial
9.    Kaaya Upperi

10.  Mathanga Vanpayar Erissery

11.  Tomato Rasam

Fruit Custard

The best way to make kids have their daily dose of fruits is by giving  them a bowl of fruit custard. Its easy to make and ready in minutes.

INGREDIENTS

25 gm Vanilla Flavored Custard Powder
1/2 liter milk
6 tablespoon sugar
1 apple
2 small bananas
1 mango
1/2 cup pomegranate
1/2 cup chopped pineapple
1 glass water
Cherry for topping

METHOD

Measure 25 g custard powder into a bowl.
Add 1/4 cup milk from the 1/2 liter milk and make it into smooth paste.
Boil the remaining milk after adding 3 tablespoon sugar.
Remove milk from fire and stir in the custard paste.
Now place over low flame and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. Keep stirring.
Remove, pour into a bowl and let cool in the refrigerator for 15-20 mins.
Add sugar in a pan with water.
Boil and let cool.
Chop fruits fine and add to the sugar syrup.
When the custard is chilled add the fruits and serve with cherry topping.

Tips:
As the fruits are soaked in sugar syrup it can be refrigerated and used later. It won't get spoiled.
Add any fruits of your choice.
Reduce the sugar level as per preference.
You can refrigerate the fruits before using (about 1 hour).