Easy Carrot Payasam Recipe for Diwali: A Festive Treat

The Carrot Payasam Recipe is a delightful and nutritious South Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom. This recipe is perfect for festive occasions like Diwali, offering a healthy and vibrant alternative to traditional sweets. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step Carrot Payasam Recipe, ensuring you can create this delicious treat that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why Is It Called “Carrot Payasam”?

Carrot Payasam is named after its primary ingredient, carrots, and the word “Payasam” comes from the South Indian term for a dessert made with milk and sugar. Payasam is a festive staple in many Indian households, often served during celebrations such as Diwali. The inclusion of carrots adds a unique twist to this traditional dish, enriching it with both flavor and nutrition.

How Should Carrot Payasam Taste?

Carrot Payasam has a rich, creamy texture with the sweetness of sugar, the fragrance of cardamom, and the slight earthiness of the carrots. It’s not overly sweet but has just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the nuttiness from cashews and the richness of milk. The payasam is typically smooth and velvety, with tiny bits of grated carrots giving it a subtle crunch.

How to Make It Super Yummy and Perfect?

To elevate the flavors of Carrot Payasam, use fresh carrots and cook them thoroughly in ghee to enhance their sweetness. Adding a hint of saffron gives it a beautiful golden color and a luxurious aroma. Using full-fat milk ensures creaminess, but you can add a bit of condensed milk for extra richness. Don’t forget to garnish with cashews and raisins for that added crunch and sweetness!

Carrot Payasam Recipe

Carrot Payasam is a delicious and nutritious South Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom. This festive delight is perfect for Diwali, offering a healthy and colorful alternative to traditional sweets. In this blog, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to make this tasty dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine Indian, South Indian

Servings 4

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed pan
Grater
Stirring spoon
Measuring cups

Ingredients

2 large carrots, grated
3 cups milk (full-fat preferred)
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup condensed milk (optional for extra creaminess)
2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
8-10 cashews
8-10 raisins
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 tsp saffron strands (optional)

Instructions

Grate the Carrots:
Start by grating 2 large carrots finely. Set them aside.
Fry Cashews and Raisins:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Fry cashews and raisins until golden brown and set them aside.
Cook Carrots:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee. Add the grated carrots and sauté them for 5-6 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
Add Milk:
Pour in 3 cups of milk and let it come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Sweeten the Payasam:
After the milk reduces slightly, add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup condensed milk (if using). Stir well and allow the sugar to dissolve completely.
Add Flavorings:
Stir in 1/2 tsp cardamom powder and saffron strands. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish the payasam with fried cashews and raisins. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Notes

Carrot Grating: Make sure to finely grate the carrots to ensure a smooth texture in the payasam.
Milk Choice: Full-fat milk gives the best creamy texture, but you can use low-fat milk for a lighter version.
Sugar Adjustments: Adjust the sugar according to your taste or dietary preferences. You can substitute sugar with jaggery or honey for a healthier twist.
Condensed Milk: Adding condensed milk is optional but enhances the richness and flavor of the payasam.
Serving Suggestions: Carrot Payasam can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion.
Nuts & Raisins: Toast the cashews and raisins in ghee for added flavor and crunch before garnishing the dish.

Conclusion:

Carrot Payasam is an ideal dessert for Diwali, providing the perfect combination of health and indulgence. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and is bound to be a hit at any festive gathering. Whether served warm or chilled, this dish is sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Try making this recipe for your next celebration, and experience the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite!