Recipe: Red Rice Payasam

Red rice is a rare and unique variant of rice, it has high starch content and a delicious nutty flavour. It is considered to be very superior to regular rice, in nutrition. 

Try this traditional Kuruvai arisi payasam or red rice payasam at the first chance you get. 

Tips to Remember: 

Red rice contains a very high starch content and hence does not cook as easily as regular rice. It requires a lower flame and adequate milk to become soft and delicious.

Serves: 4-5 servings
Total Time: 1 hour 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red rice (soaked for a minimum 2 hours) 
• ½ cup whole cashews (preferably roasted) 
• 4 cups full-fat milk
• 1 can condensed milk 
• 1 pinch salt 
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• Water to adjust consistency. 

Method: 

1. Add the soaked rice and 5-6 cashews in a mixer and lightly blend it. You can optionally blend it to a smooth paste, but leaving it slightly coarse gives the payasam and great texture. 
2. Next boil the milk in a large kadhai, once the milk begins to bubble, add the rice and cashews and soaked red rice mixture into it and cook it. 
3. Keep stirring the rice to avoid the payasam from getting stuck on the base. 
4. Add the condensed milk and stir it well. 
5. Cook until the payasam thickens, then add a pinch of salt. 
6. Add the cardamom powder in the end and stir well. 
7. Finally, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with whole cashews. 
8. You can enjoy this payasam warm or even cool it in the refrigerator and enjoy chilled.