Green Gram Payasam/Kheer

Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious dessert recipe? Look no further, because today we are introducing a unique and mouthwatering recipe - Green Gram Payasam. This traditional Indian dessert is made with green gram, vermicelli, jaggery, and coconut, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Follow the simple steps below to create this delectable Green Gram Payasam and treat yourself to a delightful dessert experience.

What Is Green Gram Payasam?

• Green Gram Payasam is a traditional Indian dessert made with green gram, vermicelli, milk, and jaggery. It is a delicious and creamy dish that is often served during special occasions and festivals. The combination of succulent green gram, fragrant cardamoms, and rich coconut pieces gives this payasam a unique and delightful flavor.
• The addition of ghee-roasted cashews and raisins adds a crunchy texture and enhances the overall taste of the dish. This sweet and comforting dessert is a perfect way to end a hearty meal and is sure to be enjoyed by all.

Why You'll Love Green Gram Payasam?

• Rich, Creamy Texture: Green gram payasam has a rich and creamy texture, thanks to the combination of moong dal, milk, and jaggery. The addition of vermicelli also adds a nice, chewy texture to the dish, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
• High Nutritional Value: Green gram is a great source of protein, dietary fiber, and various essential nutrients. This payasam not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides you with the goodness of moong dal, making it a guilt-free dessert option.
• Digestive Benefits: Moong dal is known for its easy digestibility and is often recommended during illness and for those with digestive issues. By incorporating green gram payasam into your diet, you can enjoy a sweet treat without burdening your digestive system.
• Low in Calories: Compared to other traditional Indian desserts, green gram payasam is relatively low in calories. With the use of jaggery instead of sugar and minimal ghee, it offers a healthier indulgence without compromising on the taste.
• Suitable for All Ages: This wholesome dessert is suitable for all ages, from kids to the elderly. It provides a good source of energy and nutrients, making it a perfect sweet dish for the entire family to enjoy.
• Versatile Flavor: The blend of moong dal, jaggery, and coconut creates a unique and delightful flavor profile. The addition of cardamom, cashews, and raisins further enhances the taste, making green gram payasam a versatile dessert option for various occasions.

Ingredients for Green Gram Payasam

• Green Gram/Pasi Payaru/Whole Moong Dal: The main ingredient in this delicious dessert, green gram adds a nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the payasam.
• Vermicelli/Semiya: The vermicelli adds a delightful crunch to the payasam, complementing the smoothness of the green gram.
• Milk: The milk adds a creamy richness to the payasam, making it a comforting and satisfying dessert.
• Jaggery: The jaggery provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the payasam, giving it a distinctive taste.
• Coconut Pieces: The coconut pieces add a hint of tropical flavor and a touch of crunchiness to the payasam.
• Green Cardamoms: The green cardamoms bring a warm and aromatic flavor to the payasam, enhancing its overall taste.

How To Make Green Gram Payasam?

Green gram payasam, also known as Pasi Payaru Payasam, is a delicious South Indian dessert made with green gram, milk, jaggery, and other flavorful ingredients. Follow these simple steps to create this delectable dessert.

• Start by washing and soaking the green gram for 4 hours or overnight. This helps to soften the green gram and reduce the cooking time.
• Pressure cook the soaked green gram with two cups of water for two whistles. Allow the steam to escape naturally before opening the cooker.
• While the green gram is cooking, grind the coconut pieces and green cardamoms into a coarse mixture using a mixer grinder.
• Additionally, dry roast the vermicelli/semiya until it turns golden brown, and then cook it in water until fully done.
• Combine the cooked green gram, milk, and the roasted vermicelli in a pan, bringing it to a boil and cooking until the milk thickens slightly.
• Add jaggery and the ground coconut mixture to the pan, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
• In a separate small pan, heat ghee and fry the cashews and raisins until golden brown, then pour this ghee mixture over the payasam for added richness and flavor.
• Once the payasam has cooled down, it is ready to be served and enjoyed.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and flavorful green gram payasam that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Each step is essential in bringing out the unique taste and texture of this traditional Indian dessert.

Enjoy making and savoring this delectable green gram payasam!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Rice: Green gram payasam goes well with a serving of steamed white rice, allowing for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Accompany with Savory Snack: Consider serving the payasam with a savory snack like murukku or mixture for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Enjoy with Indian Bread: For a more traditional approach, pair the payasam with roti or naan to create a well-rounded dining experience.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Add a refreshing touch to the meal by serving the payasam with a side of sliced mango or banana for a burst of natural sweetness.
• Pair with Spicy Pickle: The mild sweetness of the payasam can be complemented with a side of spicy mango pickle for a delightful flavor combination.
• Include a Sprinkle of Cardamom: Consider adding a sprinkle of ground cardamom as a garnish to enhance the aroma and flavor of the green gram payasam.

Tips for Making Green Gram Payasam

• Preparation Time: Soak the green gram for at least 4 hours or overnight, and pressure cook for two whistles, followed by natural steam release. This will ensure that the green gram is tender and easy to mix with the other ingredients.
• Cooking Technique: When cooking the vermicelli/semiya, make sure to dry roast it over low heat until it turns golden brown. This will add a delicious nutty flavor to the payasam.
• Garnishing: Garnish the payasam with the ghee-roasted cashews and raisins for a beautiful presentation and added texture. The golden brown cashews and plump raisins will enhance the overall appeal of the dish.
• Serving Tip: Allow the payasam to cool down before serving to let the flavors meld together. This will result in a more delicious and cohesive dish.
• Storage: Green Gram Payasam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it before serving for a delicious leftover treat.
• Variation: Feel free to customize the payasam by adjusting the sweetness level with jaggery or adding your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a personal touch.

Variations for Green Gram Payasam

• Nutty Twist: Try adding different nuts like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for a crunchy texture and rich flavor. You can also experiment with nut butters for a creamy twist.
• Fruity Flavors: Add a handful of raisins, chopped dates, or dried figs for a burst of sweetness and natural fruity flavors. You can also try adding fresh fruits like mango or banana for a refreshing touch.
• Spicy Infusion: For a unique twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of black pepper for a spicy kick. This will add depth and warmth to the traditional recipe.
• Coconut Creaminess: Instead of using regular milk, you can opt for coconut milk to enhance the coconut flavor. This will also make the payasam creamier and add a hint of tropical taste.
• Flavorful Additions: Experiment with adding a splash of rose water, saffron strands, or even a drop of vanilla extract for a fragrant and aromatic variation of the classic green gram payasam.
• Healthy Options: To make the payasam even healthier, you can use jaggery instead of sugar for a natural sweetener. Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutritional boost.

By incorporating these variations, you can create a unique and customized green gram payasam to suit your taste preferences and surprise your family and friends with a delightful and innovative dessert. Enjoy exploring these different options and have fun experimenting in the kitchen!

How to Store Green Gram Payasam

• Store in an airtight container: After preparing the green gram payasam, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life: If you want to store the payasam for a longer period, refrigerate it. It can last for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
• Use fresh ingredients: To ensure the quality and taste of the payasam, use fresh and good quality ingredients. This will help in maintaining the freshness of the dish.
• Keep away from moisture: Moisture can lead to spoilage, so make sure the storage container is clean and dry before storing the payasam.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations: Store the green gram payasam in a place with a consistent temperature to prevent any changes in its texture and taste.
• Follow expiry dates: If using packaged ingredients like vermicelli or jaggery, make sure to check the expiry dates and use them before they expire to maintain the freshness of the payasam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of dal for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use other types of dal such as split moong dal or even chana dal for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I substitute jaggery with sugar?

• Yes, you can substitute jaggery with sugar, but keep in mind that jaggery adds a unique flavor to the payasam. If using sugar, adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

• To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the milk with any plant-based milk such as coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegan-friendly alternatives for ghee.

Can I add nuts and dry fruits of my choice?

• Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts and dry fruits. You can add almonds, pistachios, or any other dry fruit of your choice to enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the green gram payasam ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a little milk or water to adjust the consistency as it tends to thicken when stored.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

• If you prefer a sweeter payasam, you can increase the quantity of jaggery, and if you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of jaggery used. Adjust it to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe Card

Green Gram Payasam/Kheer 2020-08-27 04:37:40

Green Gram Payasam/Kheer

Serves 1
Prep Time: 04:00
Cook Time: 00:20
Total Time: 04:20

Ingredients

• 150 grams Green Gram/Pasi Payaru/Whole Moong Dal
• 50 grams Vermicelli/Semiya
• 1/4 tsp Salt (optional)
• 500 ml Milk
• 1/2 cup Jaggery
• 1/3 cup Coconut Pieces
• 2 to 3 Green Cardamoms
• 2 tsp Ghee
• 6 Whole Cashews
• 12 Dried Raisins

Instructions

• Wash and soak the green gram for 4 hours or over night.
• Then pressure cook the dal for two whistles with two cups of water.
• Turn off the heat and let the steam go all by itself.
• Open the cooker and set aside.
• Meanwhile, place the coconut pieces and the cardamoms in a mixie jar and grind it coarsely as shown in the picture.
• Meanwhile, dry roast the vermicelli/semiya over low heat until it becomes golden browned.
• Then add salt and 1 cup of water, close the pan with lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until fully cooked.
• Now, add the cooked moong dal with water and mix well.
• Further add 500 ml milk and bring it to boil and cook for 5 mins or until the milk becomes slightly thick.
• Then add jaggery and ground coconut mixture mix well.
• Finally, heat a small pan with ghee.
• When the ghee melts, add cashews, fry till they become golden brown, then add raisins, fry until puffed.
• Pour this ghee mixture over the green gram payasam/kheer, mix well until combined.
• Now your Green Gram Payasam is ready. Serve when it cools down. Enjoy!

By Santhi Therese
The Indian Claypot

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Wash and soak the green gram for 4 hours or over night. Then pressure cook the dal for two whistles with two cups of water. Turn off the heat and let the steam go all by itself. Open the cooker and set aside.

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

and grind it coarsely as shown in the picture.

Meanwhile, dry roast the vermicelli/semiya over low heat until it becomes golden browned.

Then add salt and 1 cup of water,

close the pan with lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until fully cooked.

Now, add the cooked moong dal with water and mix well.

Further, add 500 ml milk and bring it to boil and cook for 5 mins or until
the milk becomes slightly thick.

Then add jaggery

and ground coconut mixture mix well.

Finally, heat a small pan with ghee. When the ghee melts, add cashews,
fry till they become golden brown, then add raisins, fry until puffed.

Pour this ghee mixture over the green gram payasam/kheer,
mix well until combined. Now your Green Gram Payasam is
ready. Serve when it cools down. Enjoy!