Semiya (Vermicelli) cooked in milk to get a rich and creamy dessert. It is topped with cashews, raisins, almonds & pistachios. Serve it chill or warm.
Payasam is a dessert that is a must on all special occasions. Commonly known as kheer in the northern parts of the country and payasam in the south has many interesting legends and myths associated with the origin of this dessert. People in the south relate to a folktale in Ambalapuzha in Kerala, some link it to Puri jaganath temple in Orissa, where it was served as Prasad, it was mentioned in the Padmavat of Gujarat in the 14th century and it is also mentioned in Ayurveda. So, this dessert is there from the ancient times, evolved and adapted to its current time. Not just in India, but this milk-based pudding is famous throughout the world in various forms. From rice pudding in the West to ksheer birinj in the middle east, this dish has its imprint throughout. It is loved and even revered by many cultures. It is the star dessert in Indian homes and is made during all occasions.
In general, all milk-based kheer is done in the same way. Simmer and cook the ingredients (rice, vermicelli, sago) in milk. Then add the sweetener and finally garnish, it with nuts. A simple dish that is out of the world delicious!
Click here to see other payasam varieties. Do not forget to check this post for tips on how to make payasam without curdling the milk.
Semiya (Vermicelli) cooked in milk to get a rich and creamy dessert. It is topped with cashews, raisins, almonds & pistachios. Serve it chill or warm.
- 1 liter milk (3 cups + 1 cup, divided)
- 1 tablespoon ghee | clarified butter, divided
- 10 no's each cashews, almonds, pistachios, raisins
- 1 cup vermicelli (semiya)
- 1 cup water
- 6 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon condensed milk (optional)
In the same pan add the remaining ghee & semiya. Roast it until it becomes slightly golden brown. Also, you get roasted semiya at stores.
Heat half a tablespoon of ghee, roast the cashews, almonds, pistachio & raisins separately; remove them from pan and keep it aside.
Boil the milk (whole quantity) in a saucepan and keep it warm until we use.
Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk. Allow it to cook. Add milk (about 1.5 cups) gradually as and when the liquid evaporates. Keep stirring the mixture frequently, else the milk will burn at the bottom.
Once the vermicelli gets cooked, add the sugar & condensed milk (if using). Keep stirring and let it thicken.
Add the remaining milk and keep it for few more minutes until it becomes creamy.
Turn off the stove and add cashews, almonds, pistachios & raisins. This thickens on cooling. So if you are serving later add some more milk and warm it before you serve.
If you use roasted semiya in give a quick stir in the remaining ghee (step 2) and continue.
Sapana says
Such beautiful clicks Nisha. Looks so delicious and is perfect for any occasion.
Priya says
Who can resist to this alluring kheer, super tempting and stunning clicks..
Veena Krishnakumar says
Visiting your blog after a long time and these payasam cups are too inviting. May be i ask vibha to drop in:)
Jagruti says
This semiya payasam sounds rich and delicious, love the classic dish anytime!
Afroz says
Kheer looks so delicious, we usually make this during Eid. I make it often as daughter loves it a lotz
Priya Srinivasan says
Oh wow, saw your posts on FB and was drooling over the pics da! Semme clicks!
Nisha says
Thank you so much, Priya. 🙂
Jayashree says
This is one of the family favourite payasam at home. Liked your clicks.
Ruchi says
Lovely Payasam.. my loves this dessert. I also serve warm with masala Puri.. beautiful photography.. yum yum
themadscientiststskitchen says
I have already commented on this post but cannot stop myself from adding I love the new format your site is in. Love the pics too.
Nisha says
Thanks Archana 🙂
Avin says
So delicious, my papa makes them super tasty 😇😇
Pavani says
Lovely clicks Nisha. I know I commented on your old post but wanted to tell you that the clicks are awesome and you are tempting me to make semya payasam asap (my husband is traveling -- so this is the best time 🙂
Also love the new look of your blog. Very clean and neat. I have to learn how to do the heading on top of the post and the Jump to recipe & Print recipe part. Can I bug you on Whatsapp??
Nisha says
Of course Pavanai. Anytime for you. 🙂
Archana Potdar says
Rich creamy delight. My favourite.
Rajani S says
In my house, paal payasam is preferred over all other payasams. Semiya payasam is down in the list, but yet we relish it whenever its made..Yours look very nice and you have captured it beautifully.
Pavani N says
Simple & delicious payasam. I rarely make it at home because of my husband's aversion to milk, but I really really like it 🙁
Padmajha PJ says
Looks nice,. This is an all time favorite prasad 🙂
Preeti Garg says
I love this payasam.. nice click.
Sapana Behl says
I love this payasam ! Wonderfully done ....