Gova Kanya Paysu ~ Cracked Wheat Payasam

I am not a big Payasam fan.Yes,I do slurp down the last bit of Paalada from my glass[or the banana leaf in which it is served] and I love amma's Paal payasam,but I actually do not crave for it enough to make it myself.I have not made Payasams that often too.Earlier,the only dessert option for me when we had guests over was Ice-cream or Payasam and I did my share of Semiya Payasams and Instant mix ones.Of course,now I show off my baking skills when it comes to desserts!


Being in Chennai,I miss all those once-a-week-at-least-weddings that happen in Ernakulam.Or the friendly neighbour who makes Payasam because her son got a job/his wife had a kid/or the kid is celebrating her birthday.Very often,when Amma talks about these things,I feel home-sick.It was during such a phone-call with amma that I decided to make this payasam.Amma makes it often at home and it is a favorite with all of us.It made me happy,temporarily at least!!

Gova Kanya Paysu ~ Cracked Wheat Payasam
Recipe source - Amma


Ingredients


Cracked wheat - 1/4 cup
Milk - 5 cups
Sugar - 1/2 cup
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Saffron strands - a few,soaked in warm milk
Nuts - to garnish


Method


In a thick bottom kadai add milk and let it come to a boil.
Mix in the cracked wheat and let it cook till soft[about 25-30 minutes].
Add the sugar and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes.
Mix in the cardamom powder and saffron strands.Garnish with nuts
Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

• Depending on the cracked wheat,you may require less/more milk.I started with 3 cups milk and added more as the payasam started drying up.
• You could also cook the cracked wheat in water first and then add milk and sugar.
• This Payasam tastes best served warm,but if you like,it can be served chilled too.We had it both ways and loved each version.

On a different note,this recipe is featured in the HomeAway.co.uk Travel Cookbook'.