Meena's Taste Mantra

Aval Payasam | Poha Kheer - Gokulashtami Special!

I fondly recall during my childhood when sudden urges to have a sweet used to strike me... The quick fix then used to be to take some thick poha in a small bowl, add some milk, sprinkle just a little bit of sugar...mix it and you are sure not just your sweet pang but your soul too would sure be satiated! After all it is bliss in these small things in life that matter in the long run.. a moment today is a sweet memory for years to come!

So I guess Baby Krishna too would have such pangs...and since Aval | Flattened Rice Flakes are so versatile and right from savoury to sweets can be made form this, Aval thus became his favourite too!

As we planned the naivedhyams for 2018 Gokulashtami, which falls on 2nd September, I suggested my favourite Aval Payasam. Amma too gladly agreed and so for our dear Lord Krishna on his birthday with all the love in our hearts we prepared this super delicious, easy to make Aval Payasam.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup Aval | Poha | Flattened Rice Flakes

500 ml Milk

1/4 cup Sugar (you can adjust this as per your taste)
A pinch Elaichi | Cardamom Powder

1 tsp Homemade Ghee | Clarified Butter

4 Kaju | Cashew Nuts

20 Golden Kismis | Raisin

METHOD

Dry roast poha in a pan on low flame till they turn a nice light golden brown in colour. Immediately transfer the roasted flakes to a plate. Gently crumble the roasted flakes with your hand. Ensure it must not become powder.
In a thick bottomed pan, add milk and roasted flakes.
As the milk comes to a boil, reduce the flame to low. Place the laddle in the pan, so that the milk does not spil over.
Stir occasionally.
After 15 minutes check if the poha is cooked. Else, cook for additional 5 minutes.
The milk would have reduced and the colour would have changed slightly.
Add sugar and mix well.
Let this cook for 2 minutes. Switch off the flame.
Add elaichi powder and mix well.
Transfer to a serving bowl.
In a small pan heat ghee and roast kaju and kismis. Add this as a garnish to the Aval Payasam.
Serve hot after Naivedhyam.

About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.