Nut-Free Traditional Rice Payasam

Indulge in the creamy elegance of Nut-Free Traditional Rice Payasam, a classic South Indian dessert perfect for festive occasions or indulgent treats. This recipe features fragrant basmati rice slow-cooked in rich, full-fat milk, sweetened with sugar, and infused with aromatic crushed cardamom and optional saffron strands for a golden hue and luxurious depth of flavor. Unlike traditional payasam recipes, this one is nut-free, making it a safe and inclusive choice for those with nut allergies. A touch of ghee brings out the flavors, while golden raisins are sautéed to perfection, adding bursts of sweetness in every spoonful. With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this crowd-pleasing dessert can be served warm for a cozy experience or chilled as a refreshing treat. Perfect for celebrations, but easy enough for everyday indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 0.5 cups Basmati rice (or any fragrant white rice)
• 4 cups Full-fat milk
• 0.5 cups Sugar
• 4 pods Cardamom pods (crushed or powdered)
• 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 tablespoons Golden raisins
• 0.25 teaspoons Saffron strands (optional, for color and aroma)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the washed rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes slightly fragrant.

Step 3

Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4

Once the milk reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook in the milk. Stir frequently and ensure the milk doesn’t scorch at the bottom. Cook for about 40 minutes or until the rice is completely soft and the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the sugar, crushed cardamom, and saffron strands (if using). Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 6

In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the golden raisins and sauté until they puff up. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Step 7

Gently fold the sautéed raisins into the payasam. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and let the payasam cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.

Step 9

Serve warm or chilled as a dessert. Enjoy the creamy, aromatic, nut-free rice payasam!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1223.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1433.9

Total Fat 60.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 189.8mg	0%
Sodium 378.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 186.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g	0%
Total Sugars 159.9g
Protein 36.1g	0%

Vitamin D 429.4IU	0%
Calcium 1222.0mg	0%
Iron 0.8mg	0%
Potassium 1656.1mg	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: 38.0%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 51.9%