Low Fat Traditional Rice Payasam

Indulge guilt-free in the comforting sweetness of Low Fat Traditional Rice Payasam, a lighter twist on the classic Indian dessert. Featuring aromatic short-grain rice simmered in creamy low-fat milk and sweetened with jaggery or coconut sugar, this payasam retains all the traditional essence with a healthier touch. Fragrant cardamom and the richness of toasted cashews and plump raisins add layers of texture and flavor, while using minimal ghee keeps it heart-friendly. Perfect for festive celebrations or as a soothing treat, this low-fat rice pudding is best served warm or chilled, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 0.5 cups Short-grain white rice (e.g., Sona Masoori or Basmati)
• 4 cups Low-fat milk
• 2 cups Water
• 0.5 cups Jaggery (or substitute with coconut sugar)
• 0.5 teaspoons Cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons Cashews
• 2 tablespoons Raisins
• 1 teaspoons Ghee (optional, for low-fat version use sparingly)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures a creamy consistency.

Step 2

In a deep pan or pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cook on medium heat until the rice is soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the low-fat milk. Stir well, scraping the sides and bottom of the pan to mix in any rice starch.

Step 4

Allow the mixture to simmer for 20-25 minutes on low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scalding and to avoid rice clumps from forming.

Step 5

While the payasam simmers, dissolve the jaggery in 1/4 cup of warm water. Strain the mixture to remove any impurities and set it aside.

Step 6

Once the milk thickens and the rice is fully cooked, add the jaggery syrup to the pot. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 5 more minutes to let the flavors meld, but do not overheat as jaggery can curdle the milk.

Step 7

Sprinkle the cardamom powder into the payasam and mix well.

Step 8

Optional: In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee and lightly toast the cashews until golden brown. Add the raisins and sauté until they puff up. Add this mixture to the payasam for added flavor.

Step 9

Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional cashews or raisins if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1715.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1313.6

Total Fat 32.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 88.8mg	0%
Sodium 543.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 224.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.5g	0%
Total Sugars 184.9g
Protein 38.7g	0%

Vitamin D 403.2IU	0%
Calcium 1369.0mg	0%
Iron 15.6mg	0%
Potassium 1673.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.9%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 66.6%