DATES PAYASAM | KHAJUR KHEER | KHAJOOR KI KHEER | DATES KHEER | ഈന്തപ്പഴം പായസം

Dates or Khajur is a sweet, delicious fruits originally from the tropical regions of the world brimming with much-needed minerals and energy to help stay fit and healthy. Dates have become quite popular in recent years. In addition to tasting great, dates contain antioxidants, vitamins B6, and minerals like potassium. They are high in fiber and are great as substitution to replace refined sugar in your food.

Kheer/ payasam recipe is a common and easy dessert made in most of indian households. It is perhaps one such dish made and attempted by almost all age groups during festivals, special occasions or just to satisfy ones sweet tooth. Kheer and Payasam are the same as both are sweet puddings made from milk. The North Indian kheer recipes are made with milk. The South Indian payasam recipes are made with milk or coconut milk. Also in south India, nuts are fried in ghee or coconut oil and then added to payasam. In North India, the nuts are added directly to milk and not fried in ghee.

Basically, this is a dish I tried for my toddler as he’s very picky when eating fruits, nuts, etc. Also our parents are diabetic. So it was a task to come up with a dish that they all could enjoy.

                              

Dates Payasam is one such dessert. It is full of nutrients, sugar-free, rich & creamy in texture. You can serve this dessert during fasting to get instant energy. I also make this whenever I have cravings for sweet because I consider this as a healthy alternative for other sugared desserts.

 

DATES PAYASAM   |  KHAJUR KHEER

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 4 people

 

INGREDIENTS

•        5-6 Dates , deseeded

•        2 cups Milk , or coconut milk for vegan option

•        1/2 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)

•        1 tablespoon Cashew nuts

•        1/2 tablespoon Badam (Almond) , chopped

•        1/2 tablespoon raisins

•        1 teaspoon Ghee

 

STEPS:

•        First de-seed the dates and cook them with ½ cup of water for 10 minutes

•        In a blender, add the cooked dates and blend to a smooth paste (add a little water if needed).

•        Heat 1 tsp of ghee in a pan/kadhai and swallow fry the cashews, almonds and raisins till they are golden brown. Remove them and set aside.

•        In the same pan add the dates paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes. This will enhance the flavor.

•        Add 2 cups of boiled and cooled milk to the dates paste. Mix everything well and bring to boil.

•        Taste the dessert, if you want it sweeter, add about 1 tsp of sugar and mix well.

•        Serve it hot or warm.

 

TIPS:

v Jaggery could be used as an alternative to refined sugar. Melt 1 Tbsp jaggery (shredded) on low heat for 3- 4 minutes in 2 Tbsp water. Filter, cool and add this jaggery solution to payasam after the payasham cools down to room temperature. Adding jaggery to hot boiling milk will curdle it.

v You could use almond milk and coconut milk as a vegan alternative to milk.

v For a rich creamy payasam, use whole milk. For low fat options, then consider making it with low-fat milk or toned milk.

v Slow simmering is the key to making a good payasam and cook on low flame with continuous stirring to avoid burning