Name: Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 glasses Milk; 1 glass Sugar; Rice (A handful, preferably Chemba Pachari)

Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam

Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam is a delicious dessert in Kerala cuisine made with preferably Chemba rice and milk. The rich and creamy dessert is very appealing and flavorful. The name ‘Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam’ is associated with a legend relating to the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple in Alappuzha district. This dessert is usually prepared on special festive occasions like Vishu and Onam. The creamy, thick payasam tastes great and heavenly. The dish can be served warm or can be refrigerated for those who prefer so. We have included a simplified version of the dish which is very easy to prepare unlike other desserts. This is a nutritious dish having all the nutritive factors of rice and milk. This is one of the simplest and easiest of desserts that can be prepared in a jiffy when unexpected guests arrive. Enjoy the dish, a favorite with all especially kids. Even a beginner and bachelors can try the dish with confidence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Cuisine Kerala

Servings people

Ingredients

4 glasses Milk
1 glass Sugar
Rice A handful, preferably Chemba Pachari

Instructions

For preparing the delicious dish, first wash and dry the rice thoroughly.
Put all the contents together in a pressure cooker, close the lid without weight on and put on high flame.
Wait till steam comes, then put on the weight and simmer the flame.
Simmer it for sharp 30 minutes.
:- You dont have to worry about the number of whistles.
Switch off the gas after 30 minutes and wait for the pressure to relieve, which might take some time.
:- Delicious palpayasam is ready to be served. Kids love the flavor of the payasam and it is very nutritious for growing up kids who hesitate to consume milk.
:- This payasam does not need any garnishing with nuts or cardamom and tastes best when chilled.

Notes

You can visit this link for an exciting dish Sabudana and Semiya Payasam. You can also visit this link Pineapple Coconut Kheer.

Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam Recipe: A Traditional Delight

Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam is one of the most cherished Kerala recipes, known for its simplicity and divine taste, making it a must-try dessert for any festive occasion. Its hallmark is the use of Chemba rice and milk, creating a thick, creamy texture that delights the senses. Unlike other payasams, this recipe has a special place in Kerala's food culture due to its simplicity and association with the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple.

How to Make Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam in Easy Steps

Making Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam is simpler than it seems. With just a handful of ingredients and a pressure cooker, you can recreate this Kerala-style Paal Payasam effortlessly. First, ensure you thoroughly wash and dry the Chemba rice to enhance the dessert's flavor and texture. Using a pressure cooker helps retain the creamy consistency that is characteristic of this dessert.

Traditional Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam: The Temple Connection

Ambalapuzha temple payasam is steeped in legend and tradition. It is said that the payasam served at the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple has a divine taste, attributed to the unique preparation techniques and the temple's sacred ambiance. This payasam is traditionally prepared as an offering to Lord Krishna, and the use of Chemba rice and milk in the temple recipe has inspired households across Kerala to replicate this divine dessert.

Kerala-Style Paal Payasam: Tips for the Perfect Dish

Use Chemba Rice: To achieve the authentic flavor of the Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam recipe, it is crucial to use Chemba rice. This particular variety adds a distinct taste and texture to the payasam, setting it apart from other variations.
Cooking Time: Simmering the payasam for exactly 30 minutes is key. The slow cooking process allows the rice to absorb the milk's richness, resulting in a dessert that is both creamy and flavorful.
Sugar Proportion: Maintain the right sugar-to-milk ratio to achieve the perfect sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the rice and milk.

Ambalapuzha Payasam Preparation: Essential Tips

Washing the Rice: For a smooth texture, thoroughly wash and dry the rice before cooking. This step ensures that the rice grains do not clump together and the payasam has a uniform consistency.
Pressure Cooking Technique: Cook the mixture in a pressure cooker without placing the weight initially. This technique allows the flavors to meld without the risk of burning. Once the steam starts to escape, secure the weight and simmer the payasam on low heat to let it thicken naturally.
Natural Flavor: Unlike other payasams that use garnishes like nuts and cardamom, Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam shines in its simplicity. Its authentic Kerala payasam flavor comes purely from the blend of rice and milk.

Paal Payasam Variations You Can Try

While the traditional Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam is beloved for its classic taste, there are a few variations you can try:

Kerala Semiya Payasam

Kerala Semiya Payasam is a beloved version that swaps rice for vermicelli (semiya). This light and flavorful dessert is frequently enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. It involves roasting vermicelli and then cooking it in thickened milk, sweetened with sugar, and infused with cardamom. The addition of fried cashews, raisins, and a hint of ghee elevates its taste, offering a delicious alternative to the classic Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam.

Nei Payasam

Nei Payasam is known for its rich and indulgent taste, thanks to the ample use of ghee (clarified butter) and jaggery. This variant blends rice with the richness of ghee, making it a common offering in temples and special events. Its thick, dark consistency and the deep, caramelized flavor of jaggery make Nei Payasam a luxurious treat, setting it apart from the lighter and creamier Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam.

Ari Payasam

Ari Payasam is a traditional rice-based dessert similar to Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam, though it has a distinct preparation method. This payasam uses raw rice cooked in a mixture of milk and jaggery, resulting in a smooth texture and a well-balanced sweetness. It's a staple in Kerala's festive meals and temple feasts, cherished for its subtle and comforting taste.

Authentic Kerala Payasam: Serving Suggestions

Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam is versatile in its serving options:

Warm: Serve it warm as a comforting dessert after a traditional Kerala meal. The creamy texture and warm aroma make it a perfect end to a feast.
Chilled: Alternatively, refrigerate the payasam and serve it chilled. The thickened consistency and the refreshing coolness provide a delightful contrast to warm weather, making it an ideal summer dessert.
Festive Occasions: This payasam is often prepared during festivals like Vishu and Onam. Serving it in small clay pots or brass bowls adds an authentic Kerala touch to your festive celebrations.

Easy Paal Payasam Recipe: Quick FAQs

Can I use other types of rice? While Chemba rice is preferred for an authentic taste, you can use other varieties like Basmati or Sona Masoori in a pinch. However, the texture and flavor will differ from the traditional Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam.
Is Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam served with any garnishes? Traditionally, this payasam is served without garnishes to preserve its original taste. However, if you prefer a variation, you can add toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cardamom powder for an enhanced flavor.
Can I make Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam in advance? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and serve chilled. If you prefer it warm, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little milk if it thickens too much.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Response (4)

S

Sindhu India October 25, 2020

This is super delicious, but how much is 2 glass milk?

1. a
  
  aleyk October 29, 2020
  
  Two standard glasses of milk will weigh approximately half a litre.
  
P

Prajesh September 18, 2024

Very detailed recipe

L

Lakshmi Narayanan October 19, 2024

★★★★★

This Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam is an excellent example of Kerala food recipes that showcase traditional flavors!

3.82 from 16 votes (14 ratings without comment)

Ambalapuzha Palpayasam