Utthatthi Payasa – A Karnataka delicacy prepared with dates, jaggery, nuts which can be prepared in a few minutes so that you can chat to your heart content with your guests!
Well, 2017 has been crazy so far and I am juggling between work and blogging. I have been doing certain modifications as of now for the sake of my good health and have been experimenting a lot in my kitchen recently. As soon as I finish cooking and assemble for a photo, by then the sun plays hide and seek. Finally, they end up on my dinner plate as I don’t prefer to shoot with low light. How do I wish winter to get over soon? I can’t wait for spring.
Mom always ends up in preparing Semiya Payasam / Vermicelli Payasam when we have guests in our home, every single time. I believe that’s the scenario in almost all houses at my place. And it is the easiest dessert to do. I love vermicelli payasam either hot or cold. I am not different than mom. My pick-me dessert, whenever I have guests, is Vermicelli Payasam. Vermicelli is one of the perennial items in my pantry. As I write this, I remember the advertisement which used to pop up in between shows during my childhood days – Bambinoo Vermicelli. I loved the advertisement and never missed it when it comes in TV channel. While everyone at home is fond of serials, I am very inclined towards the colorful ad which comes in between the shows. Sigh!!
People have become more conscious about health and one of my friends stopped using refined ones like rava, vermicelli in her kitchen. When she agreed to come for lunch, I was going mad as what to prepare for dessert. My mind was racing for all possible healthy options. And then I found out this simple yet delicious healthy dessert – Utthatthi Payasa. It just takes a few minutes to prepare when you spend so much time in the kitchen to prepare the entire feast.
Do you have unexpected guests at your home? No worries, prepare this utthatthi payasa with dates and delight your guests. Utthatthi Payasa is a Karnataka style dates kheer prepared with dates, jaggery, and nuts. Utthatthi or Kharjoora in Kannada means Dates. This recipe can be prepared in the vegan style with thick coconut milk instead of milk. This payasa is best suited for diabetic people as it doesn’t call for cups and cups of sugar. Dates are known for their high nutritional benefits and this payasa is an easy way to sneak in Dates into your daily meal. And it’s kids friendly. Prepare this Uttatthi Payasa and you will be lost in the delectable sweetness of dates.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Dates, deseeded and chopped into small pieces
- 2-3 Dates, deseeded and cubed for garnish
- 2 cups Full Fat Milk (Substitute with thick coconut milk for vegan)
- ¼ cup Grated Jaggery
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- 1 tablespoon Cashews
- 1 tablespoon Chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon Ghee
Method:
- Deseed dates and chop them into small pieces
- In a mixer, add dates, a cup of milk and grind them into fine paste
- Mix the grounded paste with the remaining cup of milk
- Now, add the grated jaggery and mix well
- Add cardamom powder and combine them well
- Heat the payasa and bring it to boil
- Once it starts boiling, switch off the flame. Ensure not to overcook
- In a small pan, add ghee and heat it over medium flame. Add cashews and fry until they turn golden
- Season uttatthi payasa with fried cashews and chopped nuts.
- Serve dates payasa either warm or chilled.
If you are looking for other easy desserts to prepare at the last moment, then do check out Poha Sheera and Vermicelli Payasam
If you try the recipe, do let me know how they tasted in comments. If you like space, do like and follow my profile at here – Facebook, Google
Yours Truly,
Karthi
