A Healthy Payasam!

Kavuni Rice Payasam/Black Rice Kheer

Kavuni arisi in Tamil is known by various other names in English – black rice, emperor’s rice, purple rice and forbidden rice. As the name implies, the rice is black in colour as it has the black bran intact. This rice, which has a nutty flavour, comes packed with health benefits. From helping with diabetes prevention to reducing asthma risk and improving eyesight, this rice is a wonderful addition to our meals.

While this recipe uses this rice to make payasam (or kheer), the rice can also be used to make idli, dosai, etc.

Ingredients:

• Karuppu kavuni rice – 1 cup
• Milk/Coconut milk – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Mixed, roasted & chopped nuts
• A pinch of cardamom

Method:

• Wash and soak the black rice overnight.
• The next morning, transfer the black rice along with water (in the ratio 1:3) to a pressure cooker and cook for 6 whistles.
• Turn off the flame and allow the pressure to release naturally.
• Let the rice cool.
• Grind the rice coarsely in a mixer jar.
• Transfer to a serving dish.
• Add milk/coconut milk.
• Add sugar.
• Add the mixed chopped nuts and cardamom.
• Mix well with a ladle.
• Adjust to the desired consistency by adding milk and serve.