Aval payasam

It is an easy to prepare, easy to digest, delicious dessert.

It is also called Awal paayaasam, rice flake pudding, pressed rice pudding or beaten rice pudding.

Aval is also called attukulu, atukulu, avval, avvalaki, avalakki , poha or rice flake.

Payasam is also called payas.

Ingredients:

• Rice flakes: ¼ cup
• Milk – 2 cups
• Sugar: ¾ cup
• Cashew nuts: 5 to 10
• Raisin (Kismis / ular drakshai): 5 to 10
• Almond (Badam): 4 to 6 (optional)
• Pista: 4 to 6 (optional)
• Cardamom powder: A pinch
• Ghee (nei / clarified butter): for frying
• Saffron: A few strands (optional)

Method of preparation:

• Fry badam, pista, kismis and cashew nuts in ghee.
• Break them into small pieces.
• Boil milk under low flame.
• Roast a little the rice flakes (with a very little ghee) till golden brown.
• Add the rice flakes with boiling milk and stir.
• Add sugar and stir. Add pista, badam, kismis, cashew nuts and cardamom powder.
• Remove from heat.
• Garnish with saffron.
• Serve hot or cold with great pleasure.