Payasam Neivedyam ~ Badam Payasam / Almond Kheer

To sum up, badam payasam or kheer is an enticing dessert to guests, a nutritious one for kids, a delectable one for the sweet toothed and a simple one to prepare. I happen to prepare kheers frequently for neivedyam and this week, it was badam payasam. A sure treat for bhagwan :)) and our taste buds.

Ingredients for 2 servings:
2 & 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup almonds (about 30)
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp cardamom powder
1/2 tsp saffron threads soaked in a Tbsp of milk (optional)
1 Tbsp slivered almonds for garnish

Method:
* Boil the milk on low flame till it reduces to 3/4th the original quantity. Keep stirring in between to avoid the milk getting burnt and using a non-stick pan / thick-bottomed pan is recommended. To skip this step altogether, substitute half & half for milk.
* Meanwhile, place the almonds with a little water in a microwave for 2 -3 minutes. Remove from the MW and skin the almonds. Or soak the almonds in 1/2 cup of water for about 20 -30 minutes and remove the skins. Grind the almonds with little milk into a fine paste.
* Add this almond paste, sugar, cardamom powder and saffron to the thick milk and stir. Let it boil for five more minutes till the sugar dissolves and turn off the stove.
* Garnish with slivered almonds and serve chilled or warm.

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