Semiya Payasam or Vermicelli Kheer is a delicious pudding-like dessert, that is mostly served on festive occasions or at any dinners or get-togethers. This is one of my favorite desserts. What I love about this dish is its rich, creamy texture and the occasional bite of a dry fruit or fried cashew nuts.
Vermicelli (Semiya)
Interestingly, vermicelli is used quite a bit in Indian cuisine. You would think that this is an Italian ingredient, and you would be right. Spaghetti and pasta dishes made with vermicelli are quite delicious. The Indian version, semiya is also used in savory preparations. My favorite savory dish is semiya upma. I load this with veggies and make it somewhat spicy. It makes for a great breakfast or snack.
Payasam | Payasa | Kheer
Payasam or kheer is a popular Indian dessert. There are several different versions of this dish, made with mung beans, poppy seed, rice and so on. The most common ingredient is semiya or vermicelli. Whole milk when cooked till it thickens, brings it a rich, creamy flavor and texture. Cashews and dry fruits sauteed in ghee, are delicious addons. I typically use jaggery (instead of straight up sugar) as its a healthier sweetener. Lastly, topping off the dish with some crushed cardamom seeds brings out a unique flavor that I love!
Whole milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that include calcium, potassium, B12, Vitamin D and so on. Semiya has some basic protein and carbohydrates. When consumed in small quantities, it is quite wholesome.
Check out some of our delicious and healthy desserts here:
- Chia Seed Pudding
- Mango Rasayana
- Hesarubele (Split Mung) Payasa/Kheer
- Sweet Pongal (Huggi)
- Gasagase Payasa (Poppy Seed Kheer)
- Date Almond Boats
- Creamy Instant Pot Carrot (Gajar) Halwa
- Akki-Haalu Payasa (Rice Kheer)
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Semiya Payasam | Vermicelli Kheer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup Vermicelli - Semiya
- 1/4 Cup Cashew nuts
- 1/4 Cup Cranberries - Dried (or raisins)
- 2 Tablespoons Jaggery - Powdered
- 1 Tablespoon Ghee - Organic
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cardamom - Crushed seeds
- 3.5 Cups Whole Milk
Instructions
- Heat ghee in pan. Roast cashews till they brown and add cranberries. Cook for about half a minute.
- Add vermicelli and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add whole milk, jaggery and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Cook till the milk thickens to a creamy texture. Serve hot.
- Transfer the remaining Payasam to a container, let it cool, set a lid, and refrigerate it. Enjoy cold and delicious Payasam.
