Payasam: A history of sweetness spanning over 2000 years

Known by different names in different regions, Payasam has made its impact all over India. The dish with only 3 main ingredients (rice, milk, sugar) has its unique history and culture grown with it over the years. The word Payasam is derived from the word “Payas” which means Milk. From the king of Ambalapuzha to 50+ varieties, there’s so much to learn about Payasam, read till the end!

How it started :

It is said to have originated initially in South India thousands of years ago. The story is titled “The Legend of Chessboard” in Kerala, an old sage in the form of Krishna challenged the king of Ambalapuzha (Chess enthusiasts) to play chess. To motivate the Sage, the king offered anything that the sage would name. The sage modestly asked just for a few grains of rice but under one condition: the king has to put a single grain of rice on the first chess square and double it on every consequent one.

Krishna (the Sage) won the game and as mentioned the king started placing the grains. As he stacked them, he was shocked to see the number grow exponentially. In the end, the number came up to trillions. Krishna reveals himself and asks the king to provide Payasam to every pilgrim who comes to his temple there. The Ambalapuzha Krishna temple still follows this and it's located in Kerala’s Alappuzha district.

Many travellers like Vasco da Gama, Ibn-e-Battuta, and Alexander the great are a few of many who fell in love with India's sweet delicacies and were surprised at the abundance of sweetness and milk all over the country.

Types of Payasam: A Big List

There are more than 15-20 varieties only in Tamil Nadu so overall there are more than 60+ varieties of Payasam all over the county. The major difference between South and North Indian Payasam is, South Indians prefer adding jaggery and coconut milk, whereas North Indians stick with milk and sugar which are the basic ingredients of this dish.

Here are few well-known varieties of Payasam:

• Paal Payasam

• Keer

• Sago Payasam

• Akkaravadisal

• Gothambu Payasam

• Thengai Paal Payasam

• Chakka Pradhaman

• Palada Payasam

• Rice Coconut Kheer

• Rice Kheer

• Parupu Payasam

• Jaav-Arisi Payasam

Milky Mist Payasam has its taste and uniqueness linked to the southern way of making where you can witness pure taste and healthiness.

Nutritional Value:

One serving has 408 calories in total, out of which 174 calories of carbohydrates, 44 calories of proteins, and the remaining 139 of fat. This nutrient content provides 20% of the total daily calorie need for an adult. Protein, Calcium, and Phosphorus are found in high values in Payasam.

In Conclusion:

Payasam has been a delicacy and a part of the culture in every celebration. Such delicacy is served by Milky Mist with top-notch taste and quality. As humans, it is a part of our life to celebrate our culture. Make sure you celebrate your weekend with a ready-made Payasam. Why wait for a celebration when you can have one on your own!