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.