Paal Payasam Recipe With Condensed Milk Hotel Style Cooking

Paal Payasam Recipe With Condensed Milk Hotel Style Cooking is a rich, creamy South Indian dessert that takes the beloved traditional kheer or payasam and gives it the luxurious hotel-style twist with condensed milk for extra creaminess. Inspired by meals in South Indian hotels and temple prasadam traditions, this paal payasam delivers flavor and texture most home versions miss. I first tasted a variation like this during a trip to Kerala in 2023, where the version served at a small beachside eatery surprised me with its silky thickness and deep sweetness. For more details, check the hotel booking.

Recipe Card

Ingredients With Exact Quantities

• 1/2 cup short-grain rice (Sona Masuri or Ponni), rinsed and soaked 30 mins
• 4 cups full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 3–4 tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
• 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 10–12 cashews, roasted
• 10–15 raisins, optional
• Pinch of saffron strands, optional
• Pinch of salt

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Rice (0–30 mins)

Rinse 1/2 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes to help it cook evenly and achieve a softer texture.

2. Heat Milk (5 mins)

Pour 4 cups of full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the milk on medium flame until it begins to simmer. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn at the bottom. Understanding Paal Payasam Recipe Condensed is essential. Understanding Paal Payasam Recipe Condensed is essential.

3. Add Rice (30–40 mins)

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the simmering milk. Continue cooking on low to medium flame. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice will cook and release starches, thickening the milk. This should take about 30–40 minutes. Keep an eye on it — if the milk threatens to boil over, reduce heat.

4. Sweeten With Sugar and Condensed Milk (40–45 mins)

Once the rice is soft and the milk starts turning creamy, add sugar and mix well. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Now, add 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously. Condensed milk increases richness and the hotel style sweetness. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens to your liking.

5. Add Flavors (45–48 mins)

Sprinkle in 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder and a pinch of saffron strands if using. These aromatics give the paal payasam that signature fragrant finish. This relates to Paal Payasam Recipe Condensed.

6. Temper Nuts (Immediate)

In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Add cashews and raisins, roast until golden. Pour this nutty ghee mix over the cooked payasam. Serve hot or chilled.

Pro Tips From Personal Cooking Experience

• Short grain rice yields creamier texture typical of hotel style paal payasam.
• Don’t rush — slow simmering helps release the rice starch, giving that signature silky mouthfeel.
• I personally recommend using full-fat milk for richness. Low-fat variants can curdle or result in a thinner dessert.
• Stir every few minutes during the thickening stage so it doesn’t stick. A heavy pan helps a lot.
• Taste and adjust sweetness after adding condensed milk — its sweetness varies by brand.

Chef’s Notes

Substitutions

• If you don’t have condensed milk, you can use evaporated milk plus sugar, but the texture will be lighter.
• Saffron or nutmeg can be swapped according to your flavor preference.
• Use jaggery instead of sugar for a traditional twist.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Payasam thickens as it cools — reheat with a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.

Nutrition Information Per Serving (Approx.)

*Traditional paal payasam without condensed milk is around 289–408 calories per serving, depending on method and ingredients. Adding condensed milk increases calorie density due to added sugar and milk solids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this vegan?

You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy, but the classic hotel style flavor comes from dairy milk and condensed milk. Learn more about Paal Payasam Recipe Condensed.

Why does condensed milk make paal payasam richer?

Sweetened condensed milk has much of its water removed and added sugar, providing sweetness and creaminess unmatched by sugar alone.

Can I use leftover rice?

Yes — some recipes use pre-cooked rice to save time, but you may need to adjust liquid ratios.

Serving Suggestions

Serve paal payasam warm in dessert bowls garnished with roasted nuts. During festivals or special occasions, pair it with traditional South Indian sweets for a memorable spread. This relates to paal payasam recipe condensed.

Whether you grew up on traditional paal payasam or you’re exploring hotel style versions, this condensed milk variation delivers that silky, indulgent flavor every time.