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!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian, South Indian
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal
Heavy-bottomed pan
Grater
Stirring spoon
Measuring cups
- 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)
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.
- 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.