Aval Payasam

Welcome to our recipe for aval payasam! This dish is a delightful and healthy way to start your day or enjoy a satisfying snack. With the richness of red rice flakes, the creaminess of milk, and the sweetness of jaggery, this porridge is a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Not to mention, the addition of coconut, cardamom, and pomegranate adds a unique twist to the traditional porridge. Let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious and nutritious Rice Flakes Porridge.

Health benefits of Red Rice Flakes:

Red rice flakes, with their low glycemic index, spell great news for those with obesity, pre-diabetes, diabetes and even a heart condition. This wonder grain is so rich in fiber that consuming a cup of red rice is sure to fill you up till your mid-day meal, and without having the need to munch on unhealthy evening alternatives. Good fiber content means a strong digestive system and that is also due to the development of probiotic bacteria in your digestive system. It is one of the best sources of healthy carbohydrates. It provides a good amount of energy to the body for its daily activity. This Poha is also a rich source of iron and hence pregnant women are advised to include this in their regular diets.

What Is Aval Payasam?

• Rice Flakes Porridge is a traditional Indian dish that combines the succulent red rice flakes with a blend of warm spices and unique seasonings. This delightful dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the addition of grated carrots, coconut, and pomegranate pearls.
• The use of powdered jaggery adds a touch of sweetness, while the cardamoms and a pinch of salt enhance the overall flavor profile. It's a quick and easy recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its comforting and delicious taste.

Why You'll Love Aval Payasam?

• Delicious Texture: The creamy and hearty texture of rice flakes porridge will warm your soul and leave you feeling satisfied. It's the perfect comfort food for any time of the day.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with the goodness of red rice flakes, milk, coconut, and carrots, this porridge is not only delicious but also nutritious and filling. It's a great way to start your day on a healthy note.
• Rich in Fiber: Red rice flakes porridge is rich in fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system and keeps you feeling full for longer. It's a great choice for those looking to incorporate more fiber into their diet.
• Good Source of Energy: The combination of rice flakes and milk provides a good source of energy, making it an ideal breakfast or snack option for those with active lifestyles.
• Boosts Immunity: The addition of grated carrots and pomegranate pearls adds a dose of antioxidants and vitamins, which can help boost your immunity and overall health.
• Naturally Sweetened: By using powdered jaggery as a sweetener, this porridge is naturally sweetened and free from refined sugars, making it a healthier option for those with a sweet tooth.

By highlighting the delicious texture and important health benefits of this rice flakes porridge, you'll soon find yourself reaching for a comforting bowl of this wholesome dish.

Ingredients for Aval Payasam

• Red rice flakes: Red rice flakes are the main ingredient in this porridge, providing a hearty and wholesome base for the dish.
• Milk: Milk adds a creamy texture and richness to the porridge, enhancing its overall flavor.
• Chopped Coconut: The chopped coconut adds a delicious nuttiness and crunch to the porridge, elevating its taste and texture.
• Cardamoms: Cardamoms contribute a fragrant and aromatic flavor to the porridge, enhancing its overall taste profile.
• Grated Carrot: The grated carrot brings a hint of sweetness and earthiness to the porridge, complementing the other flavors.
• Pomegranate: Pomegranate pearls add a pop of sweetness and a burst of freshness to the porridge, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.

How to Make Aval Payasam?

• To make this delicious Rice Flakes Porridge, start by rinsing the rice flakes 2 to 3 times and draining the water completely. If using thick rice flakes, rinse it 2-3 times, sprinkle some water and keep it aside, letting it sit for 10 minutes. It's important to ensure the rice flakes are soft before using them in the recipe.
• While the rice flakes are soaking, boil the milk in a pan or Kadai. As the milk begins to boil, add the soaked rice flakes, grated carrot, ground coconut mixture, and powdered jaggery. Mix everything well until it is thoroughly combined.
• One key step in this recipe is to switch off the heat and then add a pinch of salt to taste, mixing well before letting it cool for some time. This is important to ensure the flavors are well balanced and the porridge has the perfect level of sweetness and saltiness.

Finally, when serving, add the pomegranate pearls to enhance the flavor and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Rice Flakes Porridge.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Fresh Fruits: Serve the rice flakes porridge with a side of fresh fruits such as bananas, strawberries, or mango slices for a refreshing and nutritious addition to the meal.
• Add a Crunch with Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of the porridge to add a crunchy texture and extra flavor to the dish.
• Serve with Yogurt: For a balanced meal, pair the warm rice flakes porridge with a side of cool and creamy yogurt. The combination of flavors and temperatures creates a delightful eating experience.
• Top with Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the porridge for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. This adds a pleasant contrast to the natural sweetness of the dish.
• Include a Side of Toast: To make it a complete meal, consider serving the rice flakes porridge with a side of whole grain toast or a slice of bread. This adds a different texture and makes the meal more filling.
• Pair with Herbal Tea: Accompany the porridge with a cup of herbal tea such as chamomile or peppermint for a soothing and calming beverage that complements the flavors of the dish.

Tips for Making Aval Payasam

• Efficient Prep: Rinse the rice flakes thoroughly and drain the water completely to ensure that they are soft before adding them to the boiling milk. This will help them absorb the flavors and cook evenly.
• Garnish with Pomegranate: Adding pomegranate pearls not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a burst of sweetness and a pop of color. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate the presentation.
• Adjust Jaggery: When adding powdered jaggery, start with a small amount and adjust it to your taste preference. Some prefer a sweeter porridge, while others may prefer a more subtle sweetness.
• Coconut Texture: Ensure that the coconut pieces are ground into a coarse mixture to add a delightful texture to the porridge. This step adds depth to the dish and makes for a more enjoyable dining experience.
• Balanced Flavors: Adding a pinch of salt at the end helps to enhance the overall flavors and balance out the sweetness from the jaggery and coconut. It's a small but crucial step in achieving a well-rounded taste.
• Serve Chilled: For a refreshing and cool treat, let the porridge cool down for some time before serving. This makes it an ideal dish for a warm day and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations for Aval Payasam

• Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits such as banana, apple, or mango to add a refreshing twist to the porridge.
• Nutty Additions: Try adding a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios for some extra crunch and flavor.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder to elevate the flavor profile of the porridge.
• Sweeteners: Instead of jaggery, try using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar as a natural sweetener for a healthier alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version of the porridge.
• Savory Twist: For a savory variation, skip the jaggery and add some salt, turmeric, and a tadka of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies for a savory rice flakes porridge.

How to Store Aval Payasam

• Storing the Rice Flakes: After preparing the rice flakes porridge, store any leftover rice flakes in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Keeping them in a cool, dry place will prevent them from getting moist and clumping together.
• Storing the Key Ingredients: Ensure that the milk, grated coconut, and pomegranate are kept refrigerated to prevent spoilage. The freshness of these ingredients will greatly affect the overall taste of the porridge.
• Preventing Spoilage: To maintain the flavor and texture of the porridge, be sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly. This will help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and ensure that the porridge is safe to eat later.
• Using Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will result in the best-tasting porridge. When purchasing the ingredients, ensure they are of good quality and have not expired.
• Proper Container Choice: Choose the right containers for storing the porridge to maintain its flavor and freshness. Glass or plastic containers with airtight lids are ideal for preserving the porridge for a few days.
• Reheating the Porridge: When reheating the porridge, ensure it is heated thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may have developed during storage. Use a microwave-safe container and stir the porridge well to ensure it heats evenly.

By following these simple storage tips, you can maintain the freshness and flavor of your rice flakes porridge for later enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular white rice flakes instead of red rice flakes?

• Yes, you can definitely use regular white rice flakes in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as white rice flakes may cook faster than red rice flakes.

Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?

• Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk as a substitute for dairy milk in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly with different milk options.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the porridge?

• You can adjust the sweetness of the porridge by adding more or less powdered jaggery according to your taste preferences. Start with a smaller amount and gradually adjust to your liking.

Can I add other fruits besides pomegranate?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite fruits such as chopped bananas, sliced strawberries, or blueberries to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the porridge.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

• Yes, you can make the rice flakes porridge ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, and add the pomegranate pearls before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

• To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative and use a plant-based sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar instead of powdered jaggery.

Recipe Card

Aval Payasam

Serves: 3

Prep Time: 00:10

Cook Time: 00:10

Total Time: 00:20

Ingredients

• 150 grams red rice flakes
• 750 ml milk
• 1/2 cup chopped coconut
• 3 cardamoms
• 1 medium-sized carrot, grated
• 1 pomegranate
• Powdered jaggery as per your taste
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

• Rinse the rice flakes 2 to 3 times and drain the water completely. If using thick rice flakes, rinse it 2-3 times, sprinkle some water and keep it aside. Let it sit for 10 minutes. (In this recipe, I used red rice flakes. It is a thick flakes.) Make sure the rice flakes are soft.
• Meanwhile, boil milk in a pan or Kadai.
• Place the coconut pieces and cardamoms in a mixie jar and grind until coarse.
• When the milk starts to boil, add soaked rice flakes, grated carrot, ground coconut mixture, and powdered jaggery, mix well until well combined.
• Switch off the heat and then add a pinch of salt to taste, mix well and let it cool for some time.
• While serving, add pomegranate pearls. Enjoy!

Step by Step Instructions

Rinse the poha /aval /rice flakes 2 to 3 times and drain the water completely.
If using thick aval, rinse it 2-3 times, sprinkle some water and keep it aside.
Let it sit for 10 minutes. (In this recipe, I used red rice flakes. It is a thick aval.) Make sure the aval is soft.

Meanwhile, place the coconut pieces and cardamoms in a mixie jar

and grind until coarse and keep it aside.

Meanwhile, boil milk in a pan or Kadai.

When the milk starts to boil, add soaked aval,

grated carrot, ground coconut mixture and powdered jaggery, mix well until well combined.

Switch off the heat and then add a pinch of salt to taste, mix well.
let it cool for some time. While serving, add pomegranate pearls. Enjoy!