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Broken wheat payasam with coconut milk and spices, rich Indian dessert
Creamy Indian cracked wheat pudding enriched with coconut milk

Broken wheat payasam

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Cakes and Desserts
A culinary treasure of South India, Payasam (or Kheer in the north) is more than a sweet: it's an offering and the highlight of celebrations. This version is made from 'broken wheat', which gives a richer texture and nuttier flavour than rice. The use of coconut milk and jaggery (cane sugar) is typical of the Kerala region, where coconut is a protagonist in every dish.
🕒 Prep Time 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 40 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 340 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Small pan for roasting nuts

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Nuts
⚠️ Gluten

Instructions

1 ✓

Fry the broken wheat in the Ghee until golden brown. This takes only 1-2 minutes, but brings out the grain's flavour.

Tip: Toasting (dextrinisation) deepens the flavour and prevents the grains from sticking together when cooking.
2 ✓

Pour in the water and cook until soft (approx. 15-20 minutes). It will absorb most of the water.

Tip: Broken wheat is harder than rice, it needs to be cooked patiently.
3 ✓

Add the milk and sugar. Continue to cook on a low heat until thickened.

Tip: The caramelisation of the sugar with the milk gives the distinctive beige colour.
4 ✓

Reduce the heat to minimum and stir in the coconut milk and cardamom. Warm through, but do not boil anymore!

Tip: Coconut milk aroma is volatile and boiling can ruin the emulsion.
5 ✓

In a small pan, melt a little more butter/Ghee and roast the cashews and raisins. Pour over the finished Payasam when serving.

Tip: The crunchy nuts and plump raisins add texture to the creamy pudding.

Recipe FAQ

What is broken wheat?
Coarsely ground wheat berries (similar to bulgur). It is high in fibre and doesn't cook down to mush, keeping its bite.
The coconut milk curdled, why?
If you add coconut milk to a boiling base and boil it, it can curdle. Always add thick coconut milk at the very end on a low heat.

Ingredients

  • 100 g Broken wheat (or bulgur)
  • 400 ml Water
  • 250 ml Milk
  • 200 ml Thick coconut milk
  • 150 g Brown sugar (or Jaggery)
  • 3 pods Green cardamom (crushed)
  • 1 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter) or butter
  • 2 tbsp Cashew nuts or almonds
  • 1 tbsp Raisins