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Monday, March 25, 2013

Nei payasam (Kerala special)


Surprise!!!! A special occasion as this post marks 500 on my blog. I still remember, scratching my head how to proceed the first step of my blog. I had no clue how to do it, the benefits of blogging, or the joy it would bring me. I did not  even know how to choose a name  for my blog and just started it as a cookbook of mine. By the time, I felt to change my blog name, the search engines showed a good number  of responses and  I continued in the same banner, slowly it turned out to be of great help to the  novice cooks, which now has earned a good recognition for  me. 

After my VRS from a bank, it started out as ‘just another thing’. Never did I think, 5 years before, when I first created my blog, that I would keep updating it for so long. Even some said me " A vegetarian blog??? that too traditional blog???. You cannot do it for more than 2 years." Regardless of what others think about me and my work, I’ve dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to each and every post, in cooking the  correct texture and  consistency of the dishes, taking photos and posting, which I think will be useful for the future generations at any point of time. I know, good bloggers post 500 posts in a  year, but I do blogging as a useful timepass. I am feeling quite exciting and emotional right now because  many  of my readers now say they preserve my blog as a treasure of traditions. 

It’s been a lovely journey so far, sharing whatever little I’ve learnt all the way, from my mother, grandma,   from other blog friends and have also had the pleasure of knowing so many wonderful people from all over the world. It’s been a real pleasure to have known you all. Thanks to all my readers, who have been simply wonderful and have lent so much support. Thanks to all  of you who mail me regularly and ask clarifications.   

All over the world, good things come with a sweet. Shall we go in for a really something sweet for all of you? Luv you all. 

NEIPAYASAM... Yes...  A very sweet combination of rice, ghee and jaggery. This is a Kerala recipe offered in temples as prasadam.  It is also prepared during poojas like bhagawath seva, sastha preethi etc.
The taste of the payasam will be heavenly. Keralites say it as as "kadu madhura payasam" meaning very very sweet.  In Kerala, the nei payasam will be made in an uruli (a heavy brass utensil).

INGREDIENTS:

Raw rice - 1/3 cup
Ghee- 1/3 cup 
Jaggery - 1 cup (preferably paahu vellam)
Cumin seeds - a pinch
Cashews- 10 
Coconut - 2 teaspoons (cut into small pieces)
Water - a ladle

METHOD:

NOTE: 
The Rice: Jaggery ratio is  1:3.  
The rice when cooked in jaggery tends to become slightly hard. So, cook the rice well. DO NOT MASH THE RICE.

Wash well and pressure cook the rice.  Dissolve jaggery in a ladle of water. Strain without any mud and allow the jaggery syrup to boil. Add  the cooked rice, and stir without any lumps. Add a tablespoon of ghee. Keep on stirring.  Add ghee at intervals and  keep stirring. Cook till the mixture becomes glossy and saucy. (Do not over cook as it will become like kamarkat  when cool).

In a pan, heat a spoon of ghee. Add finely chopped pieces of coconut. Fry till it browns. Keep aside. In the same pan, heat another spoon of ghee, add cuming seeds, when it sizzles add cashews and fry till golden brown. Garnish the payasam with roasted coconut, cumins and cashews. Kerala special Nei payasam is ready.


33 comments :

  1. congrats jee keep rocking.. tis is a wonderful treat for the blog..

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  2. congrats aunty on your 500th post!!! Your blog is surely a treasure for so many authentic recipes.. keep doing the good work...
    Sowmya
    Ongoing Event - HITS - Diabetic Friendly
    Ongoing Event + Giveaway - Italian Dishes

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  3. Congrats Shantiji, Wish you many more years of successful blogging that brings you joy.

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  4. Remember having it in ayyapan temple..love it except am not too fond of the cumin in this.

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  5. Congratulation Shanthi ... Keep going... Happy Blogging..

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  6. Congrats dear... very lovely payasam...

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  7. Congratulations on the 500th post... Really a milestone... We want more and more traditional recipes from you Aunty... Thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences in the cooking.
    Event: Dish name starts with R till April 15th and a giveaway

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  8. congrats on ur 500th post and just keep rocking as always. The nei payasam is aesome and tempting.

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  9. Congrats ,perfect way to celebrate,looks divine.

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  10. congrats on the 500th post..happy blogging

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  11. Congrats on our 500th post - and a wonderful treat to celebrate the day!

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  12. Congrats Akka, celebrationku suitana nei payasam, romba arumaiya irruku..Keep on going akka..

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  13. Congrats on your 500th post, really a great milestone.Wish many many more to come. Perfect payasam to celebrate

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  14. congratulations on 500th post... that is such a big achievement... :)

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  15. Congrats on 500th post. Payasam looks yummy , i have tasted but never tried. bookmarked !

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  16. Congrats on ur 500th post...

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  17. Congrats on ur milestone,keep rocking...yummy dish!

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  18. Congrats on your 500th post. Wish you many more years of blogging. Thanks for sharing
    all the traditional recipes.

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  19. Congrats Aunty :) The quote mentioned in your blog is apt for you :) Awaiting more and more posts.

    The virtues of donations are great, because it helps the needy and at the same time it gives an opportunity to the donor to give the surplus to the people in need ” - Sama Veda

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  20. Hearty Congratulations,Shanthi.Nei payasam is a fitting and apt delicacy on this happy occasion.

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  21. Congratulations Maami! I am an ardent follower and your recipes become many delicious dishes in my Kitchen. This is a big milestone and my best wishes to reach post 1000 very soon :)

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  22. Hi Shanthi, congratulation on your 500th post. Keep up the good job.

    Have a nice week ahead.

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  23. hi!You have a nice blog and i have just started following you.It would be highly encouraging if you may follow me back.
    http://cookingwithsapana.blogspot.com
    Thanks
    Sapna

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  24. Wow nice blog Shanthi Mam. And excellent recipe i am great fan of Kerala Recipes . Vacations here in Kerala become more memorable with the excellent cuisines of Kerala and this sweet dish payasam is a great delicacy to enjoy here .

    JustKerala

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  25. congratulation on your 500th post..each and every post are very important for future generation..very traditional...you deserve a big applause from all bloggers...

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  26. Hearty congratulations on your 500 th post. Truly a phenomenal milestone. It is there for all to see - your dedication, patience, meticulous manner of writing and posting apt recipes.
    You were the first person to leave a comment on my blog, something I'll cherish forever! Thank you for inspiring me too!
    Rajani.

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  27. Congratulations Maami - hope you post another 500 soon and grow big in the blog world! Thank you personally from me for all the authentic iyengar recipes!

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  28. Congrats Amma. I love your recipes.. They are keepers !

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  29. Congrats akka on your 500th post..I wait for this payasam in Mangotukaavu temple in Kerala.Perfect recipe for your celebrations. Tempting me try this..!!

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  30. Just chanced upon your blog .Looking forward to a tasty experience.

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  31. thank u sister very useful to me.

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  32. thank u sister very useful to me when i prepare this payasam.

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