Palada Payasam(South Indian Rice Chips Pudding)

“Ada” are a type of South Indian rice chips or pasta which are essentially used to make puddings.Its an old recipe followed through the years and the result is a lovely milky pudding with soft rice chips that take on all the flavors of the milk ,dry fruits and nuts.So Palada Payasam essentially means “Pal” or milk plus Ada – the chips made into a Payasam or South Indian version of Kheer.

The process of making Ada in itself is quite cumbersome.Rice is soaked,ground and thickened over heat and spread on bamboo mats or plastic sheets in fine and thin layers.They are dried and broken into chips or flakes,internationally called Rice Pasta.But now thanks to advanced technology,the chips are dried and packaged for people like us to use out of the pack.

You can get rice Ada in any of the South Indian stores in your city or even order online if you do not have access to it locally.The chips look like this:

When these chips are boiled in milk,they become soft and take on all the flavors.Having given you an outline of what Ada is,lets make some Palada Payasam now!

Preparation Time – 1 hour

Makes – 3-4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup Ada chips

1 liter Milk

Sugar as required

1 tsp Cardamom Powder

1 tbsp Raisins

1 tbsp Cashewnuts – chopped

1 tbsp Ghee

2 tbsp Condensed Milk(optional)

METHOD

Heat milk in a non stick pan and bring to a boil over medium heat.When the milk comes to a rolling boil add the Ada and simmer for approximately 35-40 minutes till the Ada is cooked and soft.

Cooking the Ada..

Add the sugar and stir well to dissolve.Cook for a further of 10-15 minutes till the milk takes on a rosy color.Add the Cardamom Powder and mix well.Take off heat and leave to cool to room temperature.Now add the condensed milk and mix well again.Serve at room temperature or chilled – both ways tastes delicious!