Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Sugar-Free Aval Payasam, a delightful South Indian dessert that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with the natural sweetness of dates, creamy coconut milk, and soft flattened rice (aval), this recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Aval Payasam. Fragrant cardamom, golden-fried cashews, and plump raisins add layers of rich flavor and texture, making it a perfect guilt-free treat for festive occasions or everyday indulgence. This quick and easy-to-make payasam is entirely refined sugar-free, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a traditional dessert without compromising on health. Served warm, it promises a perfectly creamy and comforting finale to your meal.
Begin by soaking the dates in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This helps in grinding them smoothly.
Meanwhile, rinse the aval (flattened rice) in water quickly and drain it. Do not let it soak for long as it may become mushy.
In a blender, add the softened dates with a little of the soaking water and blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add ghee.
Once the ghee melts, add the cashew nuts and fry them until they are golden brown.
Add the raisins to the pan and sauté until they puff up. Remove both cashews and raisins from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the rinsed aval and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.
Add the coconut milk and water to the pan, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the aval from sticking to the bottom.
Once the aval has softened, add the date paste and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the cardamom powder, fried cashew nuts, and raisins. Mix thoroughly.
Turn off the heat and let the payasam sit for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken as it cools.
Serve warm, garnishing with additional nuts if desired.
Calories |
874 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.5 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 259 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.4 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 98.7 g | ||
| Protein | 6.8 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 110 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1284 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.