Arisi Thengai Payasam is a classic South Indian dessert made with rice, freshly grated coconut, and jaggery. Known for its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavour, this payasam is often prepared during festivals, special occasions, or as an offering to deities. The combination of cooked rice, coconut milk, and jaggery syrup makes this payasam a unique and flavourful treat that holds cultural significance.

What is Arisi Thengai Payasam?

Arisi Thengai Payasam, also referred to as Rice Coconut Kheer, blends the goodness of rice with the nutty flavor of coconut and the natural sweetness of jaggery. It’s a wholesome and comforting dessert that is typically made during festivals like Tamil New Year, Navaratri, and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Key Ingredients

Raw Rice: Forms the base of the payasam, giving it a soft, smooth texture.
Fresh Grated Coconut: Adds richness and a natural coconut flavor.
Jaggery: Provides sweetness and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Cardamom: Enhances the aroma and taste.
Coconut Milk: Used to create a creamy consistency.

How is it made

To prepare Arisi Thengai Payasam, the rice is cooked until soft, and a mixture of jaggery syrup and coconut milk is added to the cooked rice. The dessert is then simmered with freshly grated coconut and flavored with cardamom for a fragrant finish. The result is a thick, velvety payasam that bursts with flavor in every bite.

Why Arisi Thengai Payasam is Special

Arisi Thengai Payasam stands out because of its traditional preparation and simple ingredients that come together to create an indulgent yet healthy dessert. The combination of rice and coconut milk provides a natural creaminess, while jaggery adds depth to its sweetness. It’s a perfect dessert for festive occasions, family gatherings, or as a special offering to the gods.

How to Enjoy Arisi Thengai Payasam

During Festivals: Serve this payasam as an offering during religious festivals and poojas.
As a Dessert: Enjoy it warm or chilled after a meal for a satisfying dessert.
With Family and Friends: Prepare this traditional sweet dish to celebrate special moments with loved ones.

Arisi Thengai Payasam is a delicious and meaningful dessert that embodies the richness of South Indian culinary tradition. Its simple yet flavourful ingredients make it a must-try dish for anyone looking to enjoy the taste of authentic South Indian sweets.

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Arisi Thengai Payasam

Niranjana Sankaranarayanan

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Course Dessert

Cuisine South Indian, Tamilnadu

Servings 4

Equipment

1 Mixie
1 Pan

Ingredients

To grind

2 tsp Raw rice
1 cup Shreddded coconut
2 no Cardamom
To grind Water

Other ingredients

1 cup Jaggery
As req Water
2 tsp Ghee
few Cashews
few Raisins

Instructions

Soak the rice for 15 minutes.
Then grind the coconut, cardamom, rice. Add little water and grind it to a fine paste.
Take a pan and add ghee. Add cashews and fry until it starts to turn brown. At this stage add the raisins and fry.
Now add the ground coconut rice paste and add water to adjust the consistency.
Allow it to boil like a porridge.
Then add the jaggery and cook it in medium flame. If the jaggery you use is less sweet then you can add 1/4 cup extra jaggery.
Cook for sometime and turn off the flame.
Arisi thengai payasm is ready to serve.