A traditional Indian dessert, Rice Jaggery Kheer is rich, creamy, and naturally sweetened with jaggery. In Kerala, it’s often called Ari Payasam and is prepared during festive occasions like Onam and Vishu. The smoky sweetness of jaggery and the aroma of ghee-roasted cashews make this payasam unforgettable.
But for me, this dish is more than just a festival sweet — it’s a bowl full of memories. Whenever me and my brother wanted to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings, this was the payasam my mom would quickly make for us. The aroma of jaggery melting in the kitchen, the bubbling of rice in coconut milk, and the golden roasted cashews she sprinkled on top — those moments are still fresh in my heart.
It was also the very first payasam I learnt to make myself. Maybe that’s why it feels so close to me. Even today, whenever I prepare this kheer, it takes me straight back to those childhood evenings, waiting impatiently with my brother while mom stirred love into every spoonful.
Now, let me share the recipe just as I learnt it — simple, soulful, and timeless.
🌿 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
- Raw rice (Kerala red rice or sona masoori) – ½ cup
- Jaggery – 1 cup (adjust to taste)
- Thin coconut milk – 2 cups
- Thick coconut milk – 1 cup
- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
- Cashews – 8–10
- Raisins – 10–12
- Ghee – 2 tbsp
- Water – 3 cups
👩🍳 Method
Step 1 – Cook the Rice
- Wash rice and cook with 3 cups water until soft (2–3 whistles in a pressure cooker).
- Mash lightly once cooked.
Step 2 – Prepare Jaggery Syrup
- Melt jaggery with ½ cup water.
- Strain to remove impurities.
Step 3 – Make the Kheer
- Add jaggery syrup to the cooked rice and stir well.
- Pour in thin coconut milk and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add cardamom powder for aroma.
- Finally, add thick coconut milk, mix, and switch off the flame (don’t boil after adding).
Step 4 – Finish with Cashews & Raisins
- Heat ghee, fry cashews till golden, add raisins till they puff.
- Pour this over the kheer.
✨ Serving Suggestion
Serve warm in small brass bowls or slightly chilled for a refreshing festive dessert.
💡 My Memory Tip: For me, this kheer isn’t just dessert — it’s a bowl of love, childhood mischief, and the joy of learning my first payasam.